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MANUAL  OF 

EQUITATION  OF  THE  FRENCH 

ARMY  FOR  1912 


REPRINT 

BY  THE  MOUNTED  SERVICE  SCHOOL  PRESS 

FORT  RILEY,  KANSAS,  1919 


War  Department, 
Office  of  the  Chief  of  Staff, 

Washington,  April  28,  1913. 

Authority  having  been  obtained  for  the  use  of  the 
Manual  of  Equitation  of  the  French  Army  for  1912,  trans- 
lated by  First  Lieut.  Adna  R.  Chaffee,  jr..  Thirteenth  Cav- 
alry, it  is  herewith  published  for  the  information  of  the 
Regular  Army  and  Organized  Militia. 

By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War: 

W.  W.  Wotherspoon, 
Major  General,  Acting  Chief  of  Staff. 

3 


FOREWORD 


In  the  absence  of  a  theory  based  on  simple  and  logical 
principles,  the  mounted  instruction  given  to  troops  lacks 
unity  and,  in  consequence,  force;  with  no  written  method 
young  officers  are  not  sufficiently  equipped  to  well  accom- 
plish their  tasks  as  instructors. 

The  Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 
is  intended  to  fill  this  gap,  so  many  times  observed. 

It  contains,  however,  no  innovations,  but  merely  sums 
up  the  advice  of  Pluvinel,  de  la  Gueriniere,  the  Comte  d' 
Aure,  Boucher,  Generals  L'  Hotte,  Faverot  de  Kubrech, 
de  Beauchesne  and  Jules  de  Benoist  and  the  application  to 
horse  training  of  the  known  laws  of  the  association  of  sen- 
sations, as  well  as  the  traditional  principles  of  the  Cavalry 
School. 

The  Manual  comprises  three  principal  divisions: 
1st.  The  Education  of  the  Rider. 
2d.  The  Education  of  the  Horse. 
3d.  The  Use  of  the  Trained  Horse. 

The  first  part  treats  of  the  instruction  of  the  rider  ac- 
cording to  his  grade  in  the  military  system.  The  necessity  of 
simplifying  the  instruction  of  the  recruit  to  hasten  his  entry 
into  ranks  and  the  obligation  of  pushing  the  training  of  the 
horse  as  far  as  possible  have  made  it  necessary,  in  order  to 
conciliate  these  opposite  interests,  to  modify  former 
methods. 

The  principles  remaining  always  the  same,  the  in- 
structor may  henceforth  grade  his  instruction  according  to 
the  ability  and  requirements  of  his  pupils— young  soldiers, 
reenlisted  men,  noncommissioned  officers  who  are  to  take 
part  in  horse  training,  or  the  officers  charged  with  the  in- 
struction. These  divisions  are  called  Elementary^  Secon- 
dary and  Superior  equitation,  according  to  whom  they  are 
addressed. 

In  order  to  abridge  the  manual,  it  has  seemed  best  not 
to  state  again  in  Chapter  I,  devoted  to  Elementary  Equita- 
tion, the  lessons  given  to  recruits  which  are  set  forth  in 
Part  II  of  the  Drill  Regulations.    But  the  Board   has  tried 

5 


6  Foreword 

to  indicate  those  things  which  should  influence  the  in- 
structor in  the  course  of  his  daily  lessons. 

Secondary  Equitation  treats  of  the  management  of  the 
horse  (conduite  du  cheval) ;  it  permits  a  detailed  study  of 
the  natural  aids,  with  a  brief  naming  of  the  artificial  aids. 

This  chapter  has  been  drawn  up  following  the  princi- 
ples of  the  School  of  Versailles,  transmitted  to  the  Cavalry 
School  by  the  Comte  d'Aure,  whose  "cours  d'equitation" 
approved  by  ministerial  decision  dated  April  9,  1853,  sets 
forth  the  means  which  a  rider  has  for  overcoming  or  avoid- 
ing the  diflaeulties  born  of  the  use  of  the  horse. 

The  chapter  devoted  to  Superior  Equitation  only  gives 
a  general  view  of  the  purpose  and  means  of  action.  The 
genius  of  the  "haute  ecole"  is  the  genius  of  art  and  does 
not  lend  itself  to  words. 

The  second  part  treats  of  the  education  of  the  horse. 
It  itself  is  divided  into  two  parts,  in  which  are  set  forth  the 
best  methods  for  acclimating  and  breaking  (debourrer)  the 
young  horse,  and  the  rules  which  govern  his  training.  It 
studies  the  mental  constitution  of  the  horse,  the  principles 
which  may  serve  in  the  adoption  of  an  equestrian  language, 
indispensible  for  the  accord  of  rider  and  mount;  it  shows 
the  gymnastic  exercises  which  teach  the  horse  to  respond 
to  the  requirements  of  man. 

A  table  sets  forth  the  several  phases  of  this  education 
and  the  work  which  corresponds  to  each  phase.  This  table 
is  merely  an  indication  and  should  be  considered  only  as  a 
type  of  progressive  and  rational  training. 

The  third  part  assumes  both  man  and  horse  to  be  train- 
ed and  lays  down  the  necessary  rules  for  the  daily  use  of 
the  horse  out  of  doors  and  in  combat.  The  principles  here 
given  may  serve  as  a  base  in  the  mounted  instruction  given 
to  noncommissioned  oflScers  and  to  former  soldiers  (on 
mobilization). 

The  manual  does  not  pretend  to  solve  all  the  problems; 
long  practice  with  the  horse  is  alone  capable  of  that.  Its 
object  is  only  to  put  current  ideas  in  order  and  to  faciliate 
the  tasks  of  the  instructors,  to  whom  it  is  exclusively  ad- 
dressed. 

Officers  may  draw  from  it  the  principles  to  inculcate 
in  those  under  their  command.  But  they  alone,  be  it  un- 
derstood, will  be  responsible  for  their  knowledge  and  ability 
to  demonstrate  these  principles. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS 


PaJle. 

Foreword ^ 

General  ideas— Object  and  divisions 11-12 

PART  I— EDUCATION  OF  THE  RIDER 

Chapter  I.  Elementary  Equitation: 

A.  School  of  the  Trooper 15 

B.  Raie  of  the  instructor  in  the  School   of  the 

Trooper ^^^ 

Qualities  of  the  instructor -Ends  to  seek 15-16 

Establishing  the  confidence  of  the  rider 16 

Maintenance  of  position: 

(a)  the  seat;  (6)  the  stirrups 16-17 

Special  gymnastics  for  the  rider 17 

Position  of  the  rider 18 

Suppling  exercises 1^ 

Chapter  II.  Secondary  Equitation: 

The  management  of  the  horse 21 

Par.  1.  Study  of  the  aids: 

Aptitudes— Natural  aids 21 

Action  of  the  legs— Action  of  the  reins 22-24 

Accord  of  the  aids— Accord  of  the  two  reins.        26 
Agreement  of  the  two  legs— Agreement  of  the 
legs  with  each  of  the  effects  of  the  reins___        27 
Lateral  and  diagonal  aids— Lateral  and  diagonal 

effects 28 

Table,  showing  the  live  effects  of  one  rein.__        29 

The  weight ^^ 

Artificial  aids ^^ 

Mastership  of  the  aids 36 

Use  of  the  aids— Tact  of  the  legs 37-38 

Tactof  the  hand 38 

Chapter  III.  Superior  Equitation   (education  of 

the  officer) ^^ 

PART  II. 
Chapter  I.  Education  op  the  Horse: 

The  saddle  horse ^^ 

Qualities  of  the  saddle  horse 45 

7 


8  Table  of  Contents 

Chapter  I.  Education  of  the  Horse— Continued.      Page. 

Conformation 46 

Quality— Breeding 47-48 

Relation  between  breeding  and  training 49 

Chapter  II.  Generalities: 

Influence  and  responsibility  of  the  colonel 50 

Influence  and  responsibility  of  the   troop   com- 
mander         50 

Qualities  of  the  instructor  and  the  trainers 50 

Care  given  on  arrival  in  the  regiment 51 

Object  of  the  education  of  the  young  horse 51 

Divisions — 

Breaking  and  training 52 

Circumstances  which  may  influence  the 
duration  of  the  education  of  the  young 

horse — General  rules 54 

Chapter  III.  Breaking: 
Objects  of  breaking— 

Phases— Importance    of     work— Work     not 

mounted 56-57 

Work  on  the  longe 57 

Saddling— Mounting  lessons 59-60 

Training  to  bear  the  saber— Mounted  work — 

First  lessons  of  aids — Movement 61 

Halting— Turning 63 

Backing— First  lessons  at  the  gallop 64-65 

Preliminary  conditioning — Organization  of 
sections:    Leaders— Value  of    the    various 

gaits 65-66 

Defenses  of  the  colt 67 

Use  of  the  double  bridle — Preparation  of  the 
colt  for  his  future  use  in  case  of  mobiliza- 
tion— Hygiene — Shedding  and    period    on 

grass 68-69 

Choice  of  ground — Individual  work — Har- 
ness— First    instruction    over    obstacles — 

Leading 69-70 

On  the  longe— At  liberty— Mounted 70-71 

Chapter  IV.  Training 72 

Principal  factors  in  training,  the  instructor, 

the  rider,  the  work — Time 73 

Physiology  of   training— Influence   of  character 
and  conformation 74 


Table  of  Contents  9 

Chapter  IV.  Training— Continued.  p«,i... 
Limit  of  training— Base  of  an  equestrian  lan- 
guage   74-75 

Principles  of  movement— Impulsion 77 

Balance '^ 

Locomotion— Raie  and  position  of  the  head  in 

movement 79-80 

Role  and  position  of  the  neck 81 

The  gather— Suppling  the  colt 82 

Restistance— To  obtain  engagement  of  the 
hind  quarters  and  mobility  of  the  haunches- 
Extending  and  collecting  the  gaits 82-83 

The  halt— The  half  halt 85 

False  gallop ^' 

Backing— Suppling  of  the  spinal  column— To 

obtain  free  play  of  the  shoulders 87-88 

To  obtain  suppleness  of  the  jaw 89 

Two  tracks  and  shoulder-in 91 

The  cadence  trot— Balance— Observation    of 

the  gait 93-94 

The  gallop  departs ^^ 

Conditioning ^^^ 

Jumping,  the  horse  being  mounted 101 

PART  IIL-APPLIGATION  OF  THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  EQUI- 
TATION AND  HORSE  TRAINING  TO  THE  MAN- 
AGEMENT OF  THE  HORSE. 

Chapter  I.  Use  of  the  Horse 10'^ 

Keeping  the  horse  straight _' 107 

To  change  the  gait  and  in  a  given  gait  to 
change  speed— To  maintain  a  given  gait  and 

a  given  speed 108-109 

Change  of  directions ^^^ 

Galloping  a  horse ^^^ 

Cross  country  and  over  obstacles 113 

Individual  combat ^^^ 

Chapter  II.  Defenses  op  the  Saddle  Horse 

Ignorant  horses— Horses  that  are  afraid- 
Horses  with  bad  conformation— Mean  hor- 
ses—Horses  that  rear llG-117 

Horses  that  kick— Horses  that  fight  the 
hand— Horses  that  lower  the  head  against 
the  chest— Horses  that  star  gaze 117-118 


10  Table  of  Contents 

Chapter  II.  Defenses  of  the  Saddle  Horse— Cont.   Page. 
Hot-headed  horses — Horses  that  jig— Horses 
that  pull— Horses  that  open  the  jaws  and 

pass  the  tongue  over  the  bit 118-119 

Successive  phases  of  the  education  of  the  young 

horse 119 

Tabulation  of 119 


MANUAL  OF  EQUITATION  AND 
HORSE  TRAINING 


GENERAL  IDEAS. 
Object  and  Divisions. —The  object   of  military  equita- 
tion is  to  make  troopers  capable  of  managing  their  horses 
in  all  circumstances  and  over  any  country. 

Mounted  instruction  therefor  comprises  the  practice 
of  the  approved  methods  for  teaching  the  recruits;  the 
study  and  use  of  the  principles  necessary  for  the  riding  in- 
struction of  old  soldiers  and  noncommissioned  officers; 
also  the  application  of  approved  rules  in  the  training  of 
young  horses. 

The  mounted  instruction  includes  three  divisions: 
I.  The  education  of  the  rider.  II.  The  education  of  the 
young  horse.  III.  The  application  of  the  principles  of 
equitation  and  horse  training  to  the  use  of  the  horse. 

Parti.  Educationof  the  rider. —The  education  of  the 
rider  supposes  his  horse  to  be  trained.  This  part  of  the 
instruction  comprises  all  which  is  especially  addressed  to 
the  man;  it  describes  the  qualities  of  the  instructor  and 
the  method  to  be  followed  to  develop  the  rider's  aptitude. 
Morally,  it  aims  to  establish  his  confidence;  physically, his 
muscular  suppleness.  It  teaches  the  proper  seat  and  the 
best  means  for  its  maintenance,  and  it  establishes  the  prin- 
ciples for  the  guiding  and  use  of  the  horse. 

The  seeking  of  these  results  requires  the  following  of 
fixed  principles  and  much  practice.  The  instruction,  too, 
can  not  be  the  same  for  all  grades  of  the  military  service. 
Elementary  equitation  is  that  given  to  recruits,  and 
its  phases  are  contained  in  The  School  of  the  Trooper, 
Mounted;  it  comprises  only  what  is  absolutely  necessary 
to  the  trooper  in  ranks.  Secondary  equitation,  whose  de- 
velopment forms  the  object  of  this  manual,  is  entirely  re- 
served for  the  instructors;  they  can  draw  from  it  the  ideas 
to  impart  to  the  noncommissioned  officers  and  selected 
troopers  in  perfecting  their  instruction. 

The   superior   instruction   in    equitation  is   more   es- 
pecially reserved  for  officers  who,   besides  accuracy  and 


12       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

the  practice  of  bold  riding,  should  endeavor  to  acquire  all 
the  "finesse"  of  the  art.  This  is  the  object  of  the  riding 
instruction  given  at  the  Cavalry  School. 

These  several  degrees  of  instruction  differ  from  each 
other  only  in  their  extent  and  in  the  indication  of  more  or 
less  elementary  or  scientific  methods  according  to  the 
abilities  of  the  riders  to  whom  they  are  addressed;  they 
rest  on  the  same  principle  and  tend  toward  the  same 
object,  and  insure  a  harmony  of  instruction  which  is  indis- 
pensable to  the  proper  use  and  the  progress  of  the  Cav- 
alry. 

Part  II.  The  education  of  the  horse  presumes,  on  the 
other  hand,  a  trained  rider;  it  comprises  the  examination 
of  everything  which  concerns  the  horse.  It  considers, 
morally,  his  mental  constitution,  and  means  for  establish- 
ing his  confidence;  physically,  his  temperament,  putting 
him  in  condition,  then  the  laws  of  balance  and  animal 
locomotion  from  which  come  training  properly  called. 

Part  III.  Application  of  the  principle  of  equitation  and 
horse  training  to  the  use  of  the  horse. — This  chapter  con- 
siders the  trained  rider  mounted  on  the  trained  horse 
and  lays  down  rules  for  use  in  the  daily  work.  There  is 
nothing  fixed  in  these  divisions;  they  overlap  mo;"e  or  less. 
Nevertheless,  in  assigning  a  certain  place  to  ideas  and 
facts  they  tend  toward  the  clearness  necessary  in  the  ex- 
tended domain  of  equitation;  they  direct  the  efforts  of  the 
instructor  or  rider  according  to  the  location  of  faults— the 
ignorance  or  awkwardness  of  the  man  or  the  weakness  or 
bad  will  of  the  horse. 


PART  I 


Equitation  of  the  Rider 


13 


Chapter  I.-ELEMENTARY  EQUITATION. 


A. 

SCHOOL  OF  THE  TROOPER. 

(See  French  Cavalry  Drill  Regulations,  Pt.  1,  Art.  2.) 

B. 

ROLE  OF  THE  INSTRUCTOR  IN  THE  SCHOOL  OF  THE 
TROOPER. 

Qualities  of  the  instructor. — The  instructor  is  the 
prime  mover  in  the  riding  instruction.  He  should  be  a 
horseman;  a  man  of  character  and  endurance;  he  should 
be  always  an  example  of  correctness,  tenacity,  and  exact- 
ness. He  establishes  a  logical  progression  conforming  to 
the  spirit  of  the  Drill  Regulations;  he  assures  the  regular 
succession  of  the  steps  in  the  course,  and  he  keeps  his  pu- 
pils awake  and  keen  by  the  variety  of  his  instruction;  each 
day  brings  out  a  new  but  forseen  element. 

The  explanations  which  he  gives  while  mounted  are 
reduced  to  strict  necessity.  They  are  formulated  with 
precision  and  pronounced  in  such  a  manner  and  place  that 
every  rider  shall  hear  them.  They  are  never  given  dur- 
ing fast  gaits.  On  the  other  hand,  no  individual  fault  hav- 
ing bearing  on  the  position  or  the  management  of  the 
horse  should  be  let  pass  without  correction;  it  is  only  by 
incessant  criticism  of  the  same  errors  that  a  habit  may  be 
corrected. 

The  instructor  is  guided  by  the  ability  of  his  pupils; 
he  gives  them  in  the  beginning  only  the  simpler  difficul- 
ties to  overcome.  He  conducts  his  work  methodically, 
increasing  his  requirements  little  by  little. 

He  remembers  that  progress  does  not  come  from  the 
movement,  but  from  the  manner  in  which  the  movement 
is  executed. 

These  prescriptions,  taken  together,  form  the  "ef-prit 
de  methode,"  the  framework  of  the  instructici  ,  b  t  i  «  ; 
the  soul. 

The  instructor  should,  in  his  ii  gei  uit>  ard  bii-  pr  c  t  i 
his  role,  find  the  ideas  to  introduce  and  the   woids   to   ust 

15 


16       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

which  will  strike  the  imagination,  amuse,  persuade,  draw 
out,  and  communicate  to  all  his  zeal,  his  self-denial,  and 
his  faith. 

Ends  to  seek. — The  preparatory  work  described  in  the 
regulations  very  briefly,  involves  some  developments, 
from  the  instructor's  point  of  view,  without  which  this 
work  will  not  produce  the  expected  results. 

The  successive  objects  to  be  attained  in  this  first  part 
of  the  instruction  are:  To  give  confidence  to  the  rider; 
to  give  him  means  for  holding  on ;  to  lead  him  to  acquire 
independence  in  the  use  of  his  aids;  to  give  him  the  proper 
position  of  the  trooper  mounted. 

Establishing  the  confidence  of  the  rider. — The  mounted 
instruction  of  the  recruit  is  hindered  at  thebegining  by  an 
unreasoning,  instinctive  revolt  of  his  nervous  and  muscular 
system  which  leads  to  contraction.  This  is  combated  by 
vaulting  and  by  having  the  recruits  ride  by  the  side  of  older 
men  who  hold  the  recruits'  horses  by  the  longe,  by  encour- 
aging them,  by  establishing  their  confidence,  and  by  out- 
of-door  work. 

The  particular  contractions  which  show  up  from  the 
beginning  of  individual  work  will  disappear  under  the  use 
of  the  suppling  exercises  prescribed  in  the  School  of  the 
Trooper. 

In  order  to  miss  none  of  their  useful  effects  one  must 
follow  a  logical  order;  commence  by  the  seat,  the  loins,  the 
shoulders,  the  arms  and  head,  and  not  undertake  the  move- 
ments of  the  thighs  and  legs  until  ease  in  the  top  of  the 
body  is  obtained. 

The  best  suppling,  however,  is  good  humor,  which  leads 
promptly  and  directly  to  confidence. 

Maintenance  of  position.— As  soon  as  confidence  is 
obtained,  we  must  fix  the  rider  in  his  seat  in  order  to  push 
his  instruction.  The  rider  is  maintained  in  his  saddle  by 
his  seat  and  the  stirrups. 

(a)  The  seat.— Seat  is  that  quality  which  permits  the 
rider  to  remain  master  of  his  balance  in  all  circumstances, 
whatever  may  be  the  reactions  of  the  horse. 

It  is  the  first  quality  to  be  sought,  because  it  is  the  basis 
of  solidity,  and  therefore  of  confidence  and  it  is  the  mea- 
sure of  a  good  hand  without  which  neither  management 
nor  training  is  possible. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Trainincj        17 

It  results  from  a  general  decontraction,  particularly 
from  suppleness  of  the  loin.  The  road  to  it  is  opened  by 
appropriate  gymnastics,  and  it  is  acquired  after  a  time  from 
trotting  and  galloping  without  stirrups  and  from  riding 
many  different  horses.  These  alone  put  the  rider  truly  with 
his  horse.  However,  this  result  requires  long  practice; 
and  in  seeking  too  much  in  the  beginning,  we  risk  soreness 
and  fatigue — and  go  contrary  to  the  end  in  view. 

(b)  The  stirrups.— It  is  necessary,  then,  in  order  to 
quickly  give  confidence  to  recruits,  to  have  recourse  to  a 
second  means  of  maintenance — not  so  good,  but  sufficient — 
which  will  permit  them  to  remain  mounted  longer  and  to 
progress  without  chafing  and  without  hurting  the  mouths 
of  their  horses — the  stirrups. 

The  trot  without  stirrups  will  rarely  be  used  except  in 
the  riding  hall  or  for  short  trips  out  of  doors  as  a  suppling 
or  proof  of  the  decontraction.  The  time  of  the  trotting 
will  at  first  be  short  and  frequent,  then  lengthened  little  by 
little,  to  push  down  the  thighs  and  place  the  seat;  all  of  the 
riding-hall  work,  including  jumping,  can  then  be  done 
without  stirrups. 

Routine  work,  long  sessions  out  of  doors,  marches  and 
maneuvers,  in  one  word — time— accomplishes  the  end  be- 
gun without  stirrups  in  the  preparatory  work,  and  will  give 
the  men  as  good  a  seat  as  they  can  acquire  in  their  short 
term  of  service. 

By  this  means  one  will  gain  the  time  necessary  to  de- 
vote to  the  second  part  of  the  instruction,  the  management 
of  the  horse. 

Special  gymnastics  for  the  rider. — The  management  of 
the  horse  depends  on  the  independence  of  the  aids— the 
base  of  their  future  accord.  This  independence  is  the  result 
of  special  exercises  to  which  the  young  rider  should  be 
submitted  from  the  beginning  of  the  preparatory  work. 

The  instructor  endeavors  to  obtain: 

(1)  The  independence  of  the  hands  with  respect  to  the 
movements  of  the  body  and  legs. 

To  obtain  this  result  he  commands  the  flexions  of  the 
trunk,  more  and  more  marked  forward,  backward,  right 
and  left,  suppling  of  the  shoulders,  etc.  In  all  these  move- 
ments the  hand  or  hands  which  hold  the  reins  should  remain 
in  place  without  stiffness,  in  contact  with  the  horse's  mouth, 
but  independent  of  the  movements  of  the  trunk.    And  so 


18       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

too  with  the  legs,  the  raising  and  turning  of  the  thighs,  and 
the  bending  of  the  knees  should  produce  no  counter  blow 
against  the  horse's  mouth. 

(2)  Tiie  independence  of  hands  and  legs  with  respect 
to  each  other. 

In  order  to  obtain  this  liberty  the  instructor  will  com- 
mand all  suppling  exercises  tending  to  isolate  and  to  render 
independent  the  movements  of  a  hand  or  a  leg  with  respect 
to  each  other.  The  most  useful  movements  to  obtain  the 
result  sought  are  the  rotation  of  one  arm  to  the  rear;  fist 
blows  to  the  front  and  rear,  tapping  the  horse  on  the  right 
buttock  with  the  left  hand,  and  vice  versa,  girthing  and 
loosening  the  girth,  etc.  The  instructor  watches  always  to 
see  that  the  movement  of  one  of  these  parts  of  the  body 
does  not  lead  to  movement  of  the  others.  The  results  of 
this  work  are  proved  by  extending  the  gait,  sitting  to  the 
trot  or  trotting  without  stirrups.  If  this  gymnastic  work 
has  been  well  directed,  the  joints  and  members  have 
acquired  an  independence  such  that  the  reactions  of  the 
horse,  received  by  the  spinal  column,  have  no  deranging 
effect  on  the  rider's  hand,  which  remains  light  and  steady. 

From  the  beginning  the  riders  must  be  impressed  with 
the  importance  of  these  exercises.  It  is  necessary  to  see, 
besides,  that  they  neither  let  the  reins  flop  nor  make  too 
much  use  of  their  strength.  In  a  word,  one  should  seek  to 
teach  them  to  just  feel  the  horse's  mouth.  This  feeling,  in 
developing  little  by  little,  will  serve  to  establish  the  prin- 
ciple of  the  stretched  reins  and  of  the  gentle  contact  of  the 
hand  with  the  horse's  mouth.  It  must  be  spoken  of,  and 
sought  from  the  beginning. 

Position  of  the  rider. — This  is  defined  in  the  Drill  Regu- 
lations. By  reason  of  the  positions  given  them,  the  superior 
and  inferior  aids  can  act  with  a  maximum  of  promptness, 
aptness,  intensity,  and  "finesse." 

Certain  of  the  suppling  exercises  facilitate  the  play  of 
the  joints,  and  permit  the  correction  of  physical  defects  and 
the  overcoming  of  the  resulting  contractions. 

A  general  suppleness  being  acquired,  the  instructor 
seeks  a  new  objective,  to  place  the  rider  and  then  to  fix  his 
position  at  all  gaits,  on  all  horses,  and  over  all  terrain. 

When  the  instructor  commences  to  take  up  position  he 
should  utilize  the  first  time  at  the  walk  to  place  each  rider 
individually  before  starting  the  section  to  trot.    As  soon  as 


Manual  op  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       19 

the  positions  are  deranged,  he  must  retake  the  walk,  re- 
place the  riders,  and  start  off  again.  Whence  conies  the 
necessity,  at  the  beginning,  for  short  and  frequent  periods 
at  the  trot?    Thus,  good  positions  will  be  acquired. 

Fixity  on  horseback  is  the  absence  of  all  involuntary  or 
useless  movement  and  the  reduction  to  strict  necessity  of 
those  that  are  indispensable.  It  is  the  opposite  of  bounc- 
ing. It  permits  the  aids  to  act  with  precision  and  exacti- 
tude, and  in  conseqence  it  leads  to  calmness  in  the  horse 
and  contributes  to  his  lightness. 

It  must  be  understood  that  regularitj^  in  the  position  is 
subordinate  to  union  with  the  horse.  To  be  with  his  horse 
is  the  first  quality  in  the  rider.  To  be  well  placed  generally 
leads  to  being  with  the  horse;  there  are,  however,  some 
conformations  which  would  only  lose  by  being  forced  into 
position. 

A  good  position  of  the  rider  depends  above  all  on  the 
manner  in  which  his  eyes,  hands,  buttocks,  and  knees  are 
placed. 

(a)  The  fact  of  having  his  eyes  alert  and  sweeping  the 
horizon  wall  lead  to  the  rider's  holding  his  head  up,  keep- 
ing his  chest  square,  and  sitting  down  in  the  saddle.  Fur- 
ther, from  the  beginning,  the  men  learn  the  habit  of  observ- 
ing what  goes  on  around  them. 

(6)  If  the  hands  are  well  placed,  separated  as  they 
should  be,  the  nails  face  each  other,  the  elbow^s  come 
against  the  body  naturally;  in  consequence,  the  shoulders 
fall  back,  the  chest  is  free,  and  the  head  is  easily  raised. 
On  the  other  hand,  if  the  nails  are  down,  the  elbows  fly  out, 
the  shoulders  come  forward,  and  close  on  the  chest;  the 
head  follows  the  movement  of  the  shoulders,  the  eyes  are 
lowered,  while  the  buttocks  tend  to  slide  to  the  rear. 

(c)  The  seat  results  from  the  position  of  the  buttocks. 
They  should  be  as  far  forward  as  possible  without  leading 
to  an  exaggerated  sinking  of  the  spinal  column. 

(d)  If  the  knees  are  well  turned  inward  the  muscles 
of  the  leg  are  placed  under  the  femur  and  the  flat  part  of 
the  thigh  bears  naturally.  The  position  of  the  knee  con- 
trols that  of  the  foot,  which  hangs  normally. 

Suppling  exercises  .—It  may  be  seen  from  the  above 
that  the  suppling  exercises  play  an  important  part  in  the 
instruction  of  the  rider;  but  their  use  demands  tact.  Used 
by   some   instructors,   without  order  or  method,  they  give 


20       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

only  mediocre  results;  by  others, however,  they  very  quickly 
improve  even  the  least  gifted  riders. 

Considered  together,  the  suppling  exercises  have  a 
triple  end,  as  they  serve  to  obtain:  1,  General  supple- 
ness; 2,  suppression  of  involuntary  movement;  3,  regular- 
ity of  position. 

The  instructor  chooses  and  groups  for  these  three  ob- 
jects the  exercises  which  to  him  appear  most  suitable. 

In  the  first  two  cases  the  exercises  commanded  are  ad- 
dressed to  the  whole  section,  since  the  instructor  seeks  a 
general  result.  In  the  last  case,  however,  the  proper  ex- 
ercises should  be  selected  for  the  individual  rider,  since  it 
is  a  question  of  overcoming  an  individual  defect.  It  must 
be  remarked  also  that  some  of  the  exercises  oppose  each 
other,  and  when  they  are  used  the  object  sought  must  be 
exactly  known.  Thus,  the  elevation  of  the  thighs,  par- 
ticularly favorable  in  placing  the  seat,  evidently  destroys 
the  benefits  from  the  rotation  of  the  thighs,  destined  to 
bring  the  flat  surface  to  bear  and  to  lower  the  leg. 

At  the  end  of  several  weeks  of  well-conducted  instruc- 
tion confidence  is  established;  the  contractions  diminish. 
The  riders  commence  to  find  and  keep  a  seat  in  the  sad- 
dle, their  joints  are  freer;  in  consequence  their  move- 
ments are  most  controlled.  The  position  is  established. 
It  is  now  time  to  take  up  the  management  of  the  horse  and 
set  forth  its  principles. 


Chapter  IL--SEGONDARY  EQUITATION 


THE  MANAGEMENT  OF  THE  HORSE. 

The  principles  and  methods  of  management  necessary 
for  the  trooper  in  ranks  are  set  forth  in  the  Drill  Regula- 
tions and  constitute  the  elementary  equitation.  What  fol- 
lows is  addressed  entirely  to  the  officers  and  noncommis- 
sioned officers  (cadre)  and  constitutes  secondary  equita- 
tion. 

The  object  of  the  study  of  themanagement  of  the  horse 
is  to  teach  the  rider  the  the  use  of  the  means  at  hand  to 
control  the  horse  at  all  gaits,  in  all  directions,  and  over  all 
country. 

To  manage  the  horse  is:  To  put  him  in  movement;  to 
regulate  that  movement;  to  direct  that  movement. 

For  which  it  is  necessary:  To  know  the  forces  that 
nature,  art,  and  science  have  put  at  the  disposition  of  the 
rider  (to  study  the  aids) ;  to  harmonize  these  forces  (mas- 
tership of  the  aids) ;  to  place  the  forces  (use  of  the  aids). 

Par.  1 
STUDY  OF  THE  AIDS. 

Knowledge  of  the  aids,  broadly  speaking,  requires  in- 
quiry into  the  physical  aptitudes  and  moral  qualities  of  the 
man,  the  study  of  the  properly  called  natural  aids,  and 
knowledge  of  the  artificial  aids. 

Aptitudes.— The  rider's  weight  and  size,  his  firmness 
or  insecurity,  his  strength  or  lack  of  it,  his  energy  or  quiet- 
ness, his  intelligence,  spirit,  and  patience — or,  on  the  other 
hand,  his  apprehension,  fear,  or  brutalness— are  factors 
which  have  great  influence  on  results  in  equitation,  what- 
ever may  be  the  worth  of  the  instructors  or  of  the  methods. 
One  should  consider  these  things  carefully  in  assigning 
riders  to  horses,  especially  to  young  horses, 

Natural  aids. — The  natural  aids  are  the  legs,  reins, 
and  weight.  The  legs  and  reins  serve  to  put  the  rider  in 
agreement  with  his  mount;  they  permit  him  to  judge  of 
the  character  and  temperment  of  the  horse,  to  transmit  to 
him  and  impose  upon  him  the  will  of  man. 

21 


22        Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

The  movements  of  the  horse  vary  accordmg  to  the 
positions  taken  by  the  different  parts  of  the  body  and  the 
amount  of  impulsion  which  he  gives. 

To  make  the  horse  execute  any  movement  whatever 
one  must  give  him  a  position  which  permits,  facilitates,  or 
determines  that  movement,  and  then  produce,  maintain, 
increase,  or  moderate  the  impulsion.  Rapidity  of  move- 
ment depends  on  the  degree  of  impulsion. 

The  aids  are  the  means  by  which  one  gives  the  horse 
position  and  impulsion. 

Action  of  the  legs. —The  legs  should  be  fixed— that  is 
to  say,  close  to  and  in  light  contact  with  the  horse.  They 
should  be  free  from  all  involuntary  motion  and  very  steady 
in  their  actions.  The  stirrup  is  adjusted  accordingly.  The 
fault  opposed  to  fixity  is  swinging,  which  confuses  the 
horse. 

The  legs  may  act,  resist,  or  give  way.  They  act  when 
their  pressure  increases  to  determine  a  movement;  they 
resist  when  their  pressure  remains  constant  and  is  op- 
posed to  a  displacement  of  the  haunches;  they  give  way 
when  their  presssure  diminishes  and  allows  that  displace- 
ment. In  the  first  two  cases  they  are  active,  though  in 
different  degrees;  in  the  last  case  they  are  passive. 

(a)  When  the  two  legs  act  together,  the  effect  should 
be  to  move  the  horse  forward,  if  he  is  halted;  to  increase 
the  impulsion  if  he  is  in  march.  Their  action  should  be 
produced  a  little  in  rear  of  the  girths,  gradually,  so  he  may 
not  be  surprised,  energetically  and  by  free  attacks  with  the 
calves  if  he  hesitates  to  move  forward. 

(5)  When  one  leg  alone,  the  right  for  example,  acts 
in  rear  of  the  girths,  it  should  have  the  result,  while  pro- 
voking the  forward  movement,  of  pushing  the  croup  to  the 
left.  The  horse  faces  to  the  right  if  halted;  turns  to  the 
right,  in  increasing  the  gait,  if  he  is  in  march.  This  should 
b3  produced  by  drawing  the  leg  a  little  to  the  rear,  not 
too  much,  and  closing  it  gently  so  that  the  horse  will  not  be 
surprised.  If  he  hesitates  to  obey,  act  by  little  taps  of  the 
calf,  and  cease  as  soon  as  he  obeys. 

The  spur  serves  in  proper  cases,  to  reenf  orce  the  action 
of  the  leg,  and  to  render  the  horse's  obedience  more 
prompt.  It  is  to  the  leg  what  the  curb  chain  is  to  the  hand. 
It  must  be  used  with  discretion,  its  use  must  be  propor- 
tional to  the  results  to  be  obtained  and  the  degree   of  sen- 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       23 

sibility  of  tlie  horse.  A  distinction  must  be  made  between 
the  energetic  attacks  which  must  be  employed  to  push  the 
horse  forward,  or  to  punish  him  when  needed,  and  the 
scratch  of  the  spur  which  is  one  of  the  niceties  of  the  aids. 

Action  of  the  reins. — The  reins,  through  the  bits,  act 
on  the  horse's  mouth.  For  effects  to  be  exact,  they  must 
remain  adjusted  and  stretched  during  work;  if  they  were 
flapping,  the  indications  of  the  hand  would  not  reach  the 
horse,  or  if  they  did,  they  would  arrive  confused,  or  in  the 
form  of  brutal  and  awkward  jerks.  Contact  is  that  gentle 
agreement  which  should  exist  between  the  hand  of  the 
rider  and  the  mouth  of  the  horse;  with  certain  horses,  es- 
pecially young  ones,  contact  is  rather  an  equal  and  free 
support;  out  of  doors  at  the  fast  gaits,  and  principally  in 
the  charge,  contact  may  be  transformed  to  a  more  or  less 
marked  bearing.  The  hands,  like  the  legs,  may  act,  resist 
or  give  way.  The  reins  being  adjusted,  the  hands  act  when 
they  increase  the  tension  on  the  reins;  they  resist  when 
they  are  fixed  in  place ;  they  yield  when  they  follow  the 
movement  of  the  neck.  It  is  very  important  to  know^  when 
they  should  act,  resist,  or  yield  in  a  proper  case.  The 
actions  of  the  hand  should  be  progressive.  The  resisting 
hand  has  a  very  powerful  effect  without  irritating  the 
horse  as  a  live  force  would  do.  Its  effect  is  produced  by 
reason  of  its  length  of  action;  it  should  yield  when  the 
horse  yields. 

A  hand  which  acts  on  the  equilibrium  or  impulsion  is 
called  an  active  hand;  a  passive  hand  is  one  which,  while 
preserving  the  contact,  opposes  neither  the  impulsion  nor 
the  displacements  of  weight. 

The  diversity  and  multiplicity  of  sensations  and  resis- 
tances transmitted  by  the  reins  to  the  rider's  hand  show 
how  great  may  be  the  variety  of  actions  of  that  hand. 

Among  the  numerous  actions  of  the  reins,  those  whose 
simple  and  evident  effects  suffice  to  obtain  all  useful  move- 
ments in  military  equitation,  must  be  determined  and  de- 
fined. 

(a)  The  reins  regulate  the  imj)ulsion.  The  two  reins, 
acting  together  should  have  the  effect  of  slowing,  stopping 
or  backing  the  horse.  They  are  called  direct  reins.  This 
action  should  be  produced  by  fixing  the  hands  and  closing 
the  fingers  on  the  adjusted  reins,  the  elbows  and  hands, 
should  move  the  least  possible  to  the  rear. 


24       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

The  half  halt  is  a  brief  energetic  action  of  the  hands 
which  the  rider  executes  with  the  fingers  closed  on  the 
reins  by  twisting  the  wrist  quickly,  from  below  upward 
and  from  front  to  rear,  without  losing  contact  with  the 
mouth.  It  is  used  to  slow  up  horses  that  are  too  ambitious, 
or  to  carry  to  the  rear  the  excess  of  weight  that  some 
badly  balanced  horses  allow  to  come  on  the  shoulders.  It 
is  effected  according  to  need,  on  one  rein,  on  two  together, 
on  the  snaffle,  or  on  the  curb.  The  hand  should  regulate 
the  power  of  its  action  by  the  resistance  of  weight  which 
it  meets. 

Vibration  is  a  light  playing  or  shaking  given  on  one 
rein,  sometimes  on  two  at  once.  It  is  given,  like  the  half 
halt,  on  the  snaffle  or  on  the  curb;  it  may  last  one  or  sev- 
eral seconds,  and  is  strong  or  weak  according  to  the  resis- 
tance met.  It  is  used  to  destroy  the  muscular  contractions 
of  the  jaw  which  the  horse  opposes,  instinctively  or  volun- 
tarily, to  the  action  of  the  bits. 

(6)  The  hands  control,  also,  the  position  of  the  fore- 
hand. The  reins  act  by  the  mouth  on  the  head,  neck,  and 
shoulders;  they  permit  the  displacement  of  the  head  with 
respect  to  the  neck,  the  neck  with  respect  to  the  shoulders, 
the  shoulders  with  respect  to  the  haunches.  They  may 
even  act  indirectly  on  the  haunches  by  giving  the  shoulders 
such  a  position  that  the  haunches  are  obliged  to  change 
direction;  which  is  called  "opposing  the  shoulders  of  the 
haunches." 

These  different  effects  depend  on  the  direction  given 
to  the  tension  on  the  rein,  according  to  whether  the  hand 
is  carried  more  or  less  forward  or  to  the  rear,  right  or  left, 
high  or  low. 

One  may  group  the  several  actions  of  the  hand  into 
five  principal  series,  but  it  is  merely  a  purely  theoretical 
division  which  facilitates  the  study  of  the  aids  in  instruc- 
tion; between  the  extreme  positions  forward  and  to  the 
right,  rear  and  right,  forward  and  left,  and  rear  and  left, 
there  are  a  multitude  of  positions  among  which  the  rider 
will  find  the  proper  one  as  much  more  promptly  as  he  will 
have  more  knowlege,  experience,  and  tact.  1 

1.     (a)     In  carrying  the  right  hand  to  the  right,   the 

1  These  principal  actions  are  those  which  were  taught  at  the  School 
of  Versailles.  They  were  transmitted  to  the  Cavalry  School  by  Comte 
d'Aure  and  made  generally  known  by  Gen.  J.  de  BenQift, 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       25 

rider  displaces  the  horse's  head  towards  the  right;  the  right 
rein  is  then  the  opening  rein.  The  rider  should  avoid 
pulling  on  the  rein  from  front  to  rear,  or  opening  the  elbow 
from  the  body. 

(b)  If  the  rider  accentuates  the  movement  of  the 
right  hand  toward  the  right,  the  neck  follows  the  head,  the 
shoulders  follow  the  neck,  the  horse  faces  to  the  right 
while  advancing. 

2.  In  giving  the  right  opening  rein  a  tension  from 
front  to  rear,  the  rider  draws  the  shoulders  of  his  horse  to 
the  rear  and  right  and  forces  him  to  throw  his  haunches  to 
the  left.  The  right  rein  then  takes  the  name  "direct  rein 
of  opposition."  This  action  should  be  produced  by  fixing 
the  hand,  the  fingers  being  closed  on  one  adjusted  rein. 

3.  (a)  In  carrying  the  right  hand  forward  and  to  the 
left,  the  rider  draws  the  horse's  muzzle  to  the  right  and 
weights  the  left  shoulder  by  loading  it  with  the  greater 
part  of  the  weight  of  the  neck.  The  right  rein  is  then 
called  the  contrary  or  bearing  rein. 

(5)  If  the  rider  accentuates  the  movement  of  the 
right  hand  toward  the  left,  the  increase  of  weight  which 
results  should  break  the  equilibrium  and  turn  the  horse 
toward  the  left.    This  turn  is  made  while  advancing. 

In  giving  to  the  bearing  rein  (right)  a  tension  from 
front  to  rear,  tw^o  effects  may  be  produced  according  as 
the  tension  of  the  rein  passes  in  front  or  in  rear  of  the 
withers. 

4.  If  produced  in  front  of  the  withers— that  is,  toward 
the  left  shoulder— the  shoulders  are  drawn  to  the  rear  and 
left,  the  horse  faces  to  the  left  in  backing,  if  he  was  stand- 
ing still;  he  turns  to  the  left  while  slowing  up  if  he  was  in 
march. 

5.  If  the  tension  of  the  rein  passes  in  rear  of  the 
withers— that  is,  in  the  direction  of  the  left  haunch— the 
rein  acts  on  the  whole  mass  of  the  horse  and  pushes  both 
forehand  and  haunches  to  the  left.  If  the  horse  is  in  march 
this  diagonal  action  of  the  right  rein,  while  bending  him  to 
the  right,  pushes  him  obliquely  forward  and  to  the  left  as 
much  more  energetically  as  the  impulsion  is  more  power- 
ful. ,  ^       . 

These  two  actions  (fourth  and  fifth  effects)  of  bearmg 
reins,  each  tending  to  oppose  the  shoulders  to  the  haunches, 
are  called  bearing  reins  of  opposition. 


26       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

Accord  of  the  aids. — The  accord  of  the  aids  is  that 
harmonious  action  which  the  rider  should  obtain  in  his  own 
legs,  hands,  and  weight,  to  permit,  facilitate,  or  hasten 
good  execution  of  the  movements  which  he  demands. 

1.  Accord  of  the  legs  acting  together  and  the  two 
reins  acting  together:  The  legs  give  impulsion.  The  reins 
regulate  the  impulsion.  The  action  of  both  legs  together 
has  the  effect  of  producing,  maintaining,  or  accelerating 
the  forward  movement. 

Tension  on  both  reins  together  has  the  effect  of  limit- 
ing the  forward  movement;  that  is,  of  slowing,  stopping, 
or  backing. 

These  two  actions,  then,  are  totally  opposed  and 
should  never  be  produced  at  the  same  time,  under  pain  of 
destroying  the  impulsion. 

When  the  legs  act  to  increase  speed  the  hands  should 
give  way  to  allow  the  increase ;  then  they  resist  if  it  is 
necessary  to  limit  it. 

Likewise,  when  the  reins  act  to  slow  the  gait,  the  legs 
give  way,  then  resist  when  it  is  necessary  to  limit  the  de- 
crease. 

Summing  up,  if  it  is  a  question  of  slowing,  stopping,  or 
backing,  the  legs  oversee  the  movement  in  order  to  regu- 
late it  if  necessary,  but  they  only  act  when  the  horse  has 
obeyed  and  when  the  impulsion  has  died  down. 

If  it  is  a  question  of  moving,  of  taking  the  trot,  or  in- 
creasing the  gait,  the  reins  should  be  ready  to  resist  at  the 
proper  moment  to  regulate  the  gait,  but  they  come  into 
play  only  after  the  horse  has  yielded  to  the  action  of  the 
legs. 

On  the  straight  line,  therefore,  the  actions  of  the  hands 
and  the  legs  should  never  be  simultaneous. 

It  is  evident  that  the  more  exact  and  obedient  the  horse, 
the  more  these  actions  maj^  be  approached  to  each  other 
without  confusion.  The  "greener"  the  horse,  the  more 
the  indications  given  should  be  distinct  and  the  more  need 
to  separate  actions  whose  effects  might  be  confused. 

Accord  of  the  two  reins. — Before  seeking  to  regulate 
or  reenforce  the  action  of  one  rein  by  the  other,  one  must 
be  sure  that  they  do  not  cantradict  each  other;  if  the  right 
hand  acts,  the  left  must  allow  the  right  to  produce  its 
whole  effect. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training        27 

For  that  purpose,  the  left  hand  not  only  should  not  act, 
but  it  should  not  resist,  it  should  give  away.  If  it  acts  at 
the  same  time  as  the  right  hand,  if  it  even  resists,  far  from 
strengthening  the  action,  it  can  only  oppose  it,  weaken  it, 
or  sometimes  even  destroy  it. 

On  the  other  hand,  if  the  left  hand  gives  way  when 
the  right  acts,  the  latter  is  left  its  full  effect. 

So  every  time  the  right  rein  acts,  whether  as  open- 
ing rein,  bearing  rein,  or  rein  of  opposition,  the  left  hand 
should  at  first  give  way  to  permit  the  head  and  neck  to 
take  the  indicated  position,  then  resist,  if  necessary,  to 
limit  the  movement.  It  then  plays  the  role  of  regulating 
rein. 

An  action  of  the  left  hand  may  properly  succeed  an 
action  of  the  right  hand;  for  instance,  an  action  of  a  bear- 
ing rein  may  be  substituted  for  an  action  of  an  opening 
rein,  but  these  actions  are  successive  and  the  principle  of 
the  active  rein  and  the  passive  rein  is  still  observed. 

In  riding  with  one  hand,  the  bearing  rein  acting  alone, 
the  direct  rein  hangs  loose  at  the  moment  of  action.  If 
the  two  reins  are  not  in  accord,  at  least  they  do  not  con- 
tradict each  other. 

Agreement  of  the  two  legs.— When  the  right  leg  acts 
alone  the  left  leg,  at  first,  should  give  way  to  allow  the 
action  of  the  right  to  produce  its  effect;  it  resists,  if  it  is 
necessary  to  regulate  the  movement  by  hmiting  the  dis- 
placement of  the  croup. 

Agreement  of  the  legs  with  each  of  the  effects  of  the 
^eius.— Pressure  of  the  legs  has  the  effect  of  carrying  the 
horse  forward,  of  producing  the  movement  which  the  reins 
should  direct;  so  also  tension  on  the  reins  produces  effects 
on  the  haunches  which  the  legs  should  aid. 

There  is  then  a  constant  connection  between  the  hands 
and  the  legs,  which  instead  of  being  opposed  should  be 
combined,  strengthened,  and  put  in  accord. 

(a)  The  right  opening  rein  leads  the  weight  of  the 
neck  on  to  the  right  shoulder  without  opposing  the 
haunches,  which  should  follow  the  direction  taken  by  the 
shoulders.  The  legs  merely  maintain  the  movement  by 
an  equal  pressure. 

(5)  The  right  direct  rein  of  opposition  bends  the  neck 
in  and  to  the  right,  carrying  its  weight  on  the  right  shoul- 


28       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

der  in  opposition  to  the  haunches  and  throws  them  to  the 
left.    The  right  leg  aids  to  push  the  haunches  to  the  left. 

(c)  The  right  bearing  rein  leans  the  head  to  the  left 
and  puts  the  weight  of  the  neck  on  the  left  shoulder  with- 
out opposing  the  haunches.  The  two  legs  act  equally  to 
maintain  the  forward  movement. 

(d)  The  right  bearing  rein  of  opposition  (in  front  of 
the  withers)  bends  the  neck  in  to  the  right,  carries  its 
weight  on  to  the  left  shoulder  and  throws  the  haunches  to 
the  right  by  opposing  the  shoulders  to  them.  The  left  leg 
acts  to  aid  in  the  movement  of  the  haunches  to  the  right. 

(e)  The  right  bearing  rein  of  opposition  (in  rear  of 
the  withers)  has  the  effect  of  bending  the  neck  in  and  to 
the  right,  carrying  its  weight  on  to  the  left  shoulder  and 
haunch  and  forcing  the  whole  mass  forward  and  to  the 
left  when  the  horse  is  in  motion  by  the  opposition  of  the 
head  and  neck  to  the  shoulders  and  haunches.  The  right 
leg  in  pushing  the  haunches  toward  the  left  strengthens 
action. 

It  must  be  understood  that  in  prescribing  the  action 
of  one  leg  the  other  is  not  meant  to  remain  inactive;  on 
the  contrary,  it  plays  its  part  in  the  impulsion  and  as  a 
regulating  aid  as  was  said  above  in  speaking  of  the  agree- 
ment of  the  legs. 

LATERAL  AND  DIAGONAL  AIDS— LATERAL  AND 
DIAGONAL  EFFECTS 

In  instruction,  to  shorten  explanations,  the  aids  are 
considered,  first,  from  the  viewpoint  of  the  various  com- 
binations which  may  result  from  the  association  of  the  two 
hands  and  the  two  legs;  second,  from  the  viewpoint  of  the 
direction  of  their  action,  that  of  the  effects  produced. 

When  the  determining  aids  are  placed  on  the  same  side 
of  the  horse,  right  leg  and  right  rein,  they  are  called  lateral 
aids. 

When  they  are,  on  the  contrary,  one  on  the  right,  the 
other  on  the  left  of  the  horse,  for  example,  left  leg,  right 
hand,  they  are  diagonal  aids. 

Taking  the  viewpoint  of  the  direction  in  which  the 
reins  act,  the  lateral  effect  includes  all  action  of  the  hand — 
for  instance,  the  right — on  the  right  part  of  the  horse, 
direct  rein,  opening  rein;  direct  rein  of  opposition. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 


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30       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 


Diagonal  effect  includes  all  action  of  the  right  hand, 
for  example,  acting  from  front  to  rear  and  from  right  to 
left  (actions  of  the  bearing  reins  of  opposition.) 


First     E|fecT 
T\mht   direct   reJ9 


Wide   Tart) 


bar)d  actiVe  OH 

lecj    cic+'Ve     0  L 
lea    joassive    'L 

'LiUcT  or}  Hcianci)e5   H-H 


Following  these  definitions,  if  one  two  tracks  toward 
the  right,  the  rider  uses  his  left  leg  and  left  rein,  employ- 
ing lateral  aids;  but  the  left  hand  acting  from  the  front  to 
rear  and  from  left  to  right  produces  a  diagonal  effect. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training        31 

If  in  the  same  movement,  the  rider  uses  the  left  leg  and 
right  rein,  he  employs  diagonal  aids;  but  the  right  rein  in 
leading  the  head  may  produce  in  the  direction  of  march  a 
lateral  effect. 


Uicjl^i'    direct"    reio     'O    o]obos'iT»or) 


^>^ 


These  remarks  will  show  how  much  more  apparent 
than  real  are  the  distinctions  established  by  some  authors 
between  lateral  and  diagonal  equitation. 


32       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 


True  equitation  is  nothing  but  the  combination  of  all 
the  lateral  and  diagonal  effects  of  which  we  have  just  been 
speaking.     The  rider  has  two  hands  and   two   legs  which 


Third       E|fccT 
T\i*qbt     iV7ci»recT     rein 


Wide  Tu  r  r) 


1        OL 


may  act  singly  or  together,  laterally  or  diagonally,  and 
produce  very  varied  effects.  It  is  "up  to  the  rider"  to  use, 
according  to  the  horse  he  is  riding  and  the  purpose  in  view, 
the  aid  or  the  aids  which  should  produce  the  desired  effect. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Tkaininc;        33 

The  weight.— In  studying  the  actions  of  the  reins  it  has 
been  seen  that  under  their  influence  the  balance  of  the 
horse  can  be  modified  even  so  as  to  lead  him  to  turn  to  the 


1 1 K|  h f    }r)  d  \  rcct    r e  i  0    oj    o  b |;  n  g  > f" i  c r? 

(in  -{ronV  oi   -^>\[)<$irs) 

^1  M 


right  or  left  according  as  the  weight  of  the  neck  is  carried 
on  one  shoulder  or  the  other.  The  shoulders  being  un- 
equally weighted  move  toward  the  side  which  has  the  ex- 
cess of  weight. 


34       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

The  equal  or  unequal  partition  of  the  mass  of  the 
horse  on  the  members  which  support  it  evidently  has  a 
primary  influence  on  the  direction  of  movement  taken  by 
the  whole  machine. 


T.ftb      t-ffect 
r\  I  cj  b  t"     »  o  tli  r  e  ci"     rc?»  0     gl    o  b  jj  o  3  lT»  oo 
^  (in   rear    ol-   vitW^ersJ 


When  the  horse  is  ridden,  the  mass  which  the  mem- 
bers support  does  not  consist  of  the  horse's  weight  alone; 
to  that  must  be  added  the  weight  of  the  rider— between  160 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       35 

and  200  pounds,  on  the  av(^ragc.  The  top  of  the  body, 
which  alone  amounts  to  about  100  pounds,  may  in  moving 
contribute  powerfully  to  the  modifications  in  the  balance 
of  the  horse  which  are  brought  about  by  the  aids.  The 
rider,  then,  must  be  warned  not  to  hinder  the  movements 
of  the  horse  by  a  bad  division  of  his  weight,  but,  on  the 
contrary,  to  favor  them  by  acting  always  in  the  direction 
sought. 

In  moving,  stopping,  turning,  and  on  two  tracks  the 
rider  in  carrying  his  weight  on  the  buttocks  or  thighs  in 
the  direction  of  movement  may  facilitate  and  hasten  the 
obedience  of  the  horse.  Quite  clearly  marked  in  the 
breaking  of  a  young  horse  these  displacements  of  the 
weight  become  more  and  more  discreet  as  training  is  per- 
fected. 

In  superior  equitation  they  are  reduced  to  a  mere 
weighting  of  the  stirrups. 

Artificial  aids. — The  artificial  aids  are  the  means  of 
domination  created  by  the  industry  and  ingenuity  of  man 
to  prolong,  strengthen,  or  take  the  place  of  his  natural 
aids.  They  vary  with  the  nature  of  the  horse  and  the  use 
made  of  the  latter. 

Those  which  have  a  current  use  are,  first,  the  riding 
whip,  much  used  at  the  beginning  of  training  to  teach  a 
young  horse  to  yield  the  haunches  to  the  action  of  the  heel, 
and  in  ordinary  riding  with  mares  and  sensitive  horses 
who  kick  at  the  boot;  then  the  driving  whip,  martingales, 
nosebands,  Barnum  reins,  rigid  reins,  pulley  or  running 
reins,  etc.  Included  are  the  various  kinds  of  spurs,  as  well 
as  the  innumerable  types  of  curbs,  gag  snaffles,  rearing 
bits,  etc. 

These  different  means  may  be  valuable  to  make  use  of 
a  horse  on  first  sight,  to  regain  rapidly  a  lost  authority  and 
to  give  certain  difficult  subjects  the  work  necessary  to 
their  training.  But  it  must  not  be  forgotten  that  most  of 
these  instruments,  excellent  in  certain  hands,  become 
dangerous  with  less  experienced  riders. 

Besides,  the  results  obtained,  even  though  rapidly,  by 
aid  of  these  means  are  generally  only  superficial.  They 
can  not  really  further  the  true  education  of  the  horse, 
which  resides  as  much  in  his  moral  submission  as  in  his 
physical  obedience. 


36       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

Mastership  of  the  aids. — However  precise  theoretically 
may  be  the  effects  of  the  legs  and  reins  they  can  only 
have  practical  utility  if  the  aids  which  produce  them  are 
perfectly  disciplined  and  submissive  to  the  will  of  the  rider. 
It  is  not  sufficient  to  know  the  forces,  it  is  necessary  to  be 
master  of  them. 

If  the  horse  does  not  submit  to  the  requirements  of 
the  rider,  most  of  the  time  it  is  not  due  to  the  ignorance  of 
the  man  or  the  bad  will  of  the  horse;  it  is  because  the 
weak,  incoherent  aids  do  not  impose  the  expected  move- 
ment. 

The  true  balance  and  the  independence  of  the  aids 
are  obtained  by  controlling  the  reflexes.  For  instance.  If 
young  riders  are  commanded  to  act  with  the  left  leg  alone, 
one  nearly  always  sees  the  right  leg  fly  out  an  equal 
amount.  This  one  example  gives  an  idea  of  the  work  to 
be  followed  to  control  the  muscles  and  never  to  have  them 
put  in  play  except  for  a  useful  purpose  and  in  a  given  di- 
rection. 

Without  insisting  on  the  causes  of  what  is  commonly 
called  "maladresse"  it  is  seen  that  the  part  of  the  instruc- 
tor consists  in  bringing  about  and  multiplying  the  occa- 
sions which  the  young  rider  has  for  using  his  aids  in  an 
exact  and  precise  manner,  first  employing  them  singly, 
then  in  combinations. 

(A)  The  pupil  holding  the  reins  separated  in  the  two 
hands  is  commanded  to  utilize  in  simple  movements  such 
as  the  passage  of  corners,  moving  by  the  flank,  and  volts, 
first,  the  opening  effects,  then  the  bearing  effects  and, 
finally,  the  effects  of  opposition,  abandoning  completely 
the  rein  which  does  not  determine  the  movement. 

Example:  "By  the  right  opening  rein,  by  the  right 
flank;"  "By  the  right  bearing  rein,  volt  to  the  left;"  "By 
the  left  direct  rein  of  opposition,  half  turn  to  the  left." 

(B)  He  is  then  taught  by  composite  movements  to 
substitute  for  the  effect  of  the  opening  rein  the  effects  of 
opposition,  or  for  the  bearing  effects,  the  opening  effects, 
etc. 

Example. — 1:  The  section  marching  to  the  left  hand, 
the  instructor  will  command:  "Half  turn  in  reverse,  leave 
the  track  by  the  bearing  rein." 

"Right  rein  of  opposition,  on  two  tracks  on  the  diag- 
onal." 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  TRAiNiNCi        37 

*'Turn  to  the  right,  by  the  right  opening  rein." 

2:  Or  again,  the  section  marching  to  the  right  hand: 
"By  the  right  opening  rein,  half  turn." 

'•By  the  left  bearing  rein  of  opposition,  on  two  tracks 
on  the  diagonal." 

3:  Then,  later,  "By  the  right  bearing  rein,  by  the  left 
flank,  etc." 

The  pupil  will  have  been  shown  in  the  first  example 
that  the  right  rein  has  been  able  to  produce  three  effects 
following  the  different  directions  given  it;  in  the  second, 
he  will  have  learned  to  change  rapidly  from  the  action  of 
the  right  hand  to  that  of  the  left  and  back  to  the  former. 

(C)  When  this  practice  of  one  hand  alone  is  well  un- 
derstood and  executed,  it  is  necessarj^  to  learn,  on  the 
same  movements,  and  with  the  same  progression,  to  act 
with  both  reins,  but  having  them  in  accord,  the  hands  act- 
ing, resisting,  or  giving  away,  according  to  circumstances. 

(D)  In  the  end  the  movements  must  be  complicated, 
as  the  broken  line,  serpentine,  pursuit,  and  hurried,  to 
give  the  pupil  decision  and  agility. 

In  the  midst  of  these  increasing  difficulties  the  instruc- 
tor should  make  sure  that  the  riders  use  properly  the  pre- 
scribed actions  of  hands  and  legs  and  that  thej^  take  note 
of  the  effects  obtained.  He  indicates  to  them  the  positions 
of  the  head  and  neck  to  be  sought,  the  dangers  to  avoid, 
and  by  incessant  intervention  he  corrects  every  fault  com- 
mitted. 

The  student  will  thus  come  to  discern  the  muscles 
which  should  act  in  the  execution  of  the  prescribed  move- 
ments, and  to  isolate  their  response  in  power  and  rapidity. 
By  experience,  then,  he  will  only  have  to  acquire  the  habit 
of  true  and  timely  action  to  be  fully  in  possession  of  his 
powers  as  a  rider  and  to  overcome  all  difficulties. 

Use  of  the  aids. — When  the  rider  knows  the  aids  and 
is  master  of  them,  it  remains  for  him  to  use  them  with 
tact. 

The  placing  of  the  aids  alone  decides,  regulates,  and 
directs  a  movement  in  a  given  purpose.  It  is  brought 
about  by  practice,  a  feeling  of  the  horse,  and  equestrian 
tact.  The  feeling  of  the  horse  permits  the  rider  to  judge 
of  the  degree  of  submission  or  resistance  of  his  mount. 

Equestrian  tact  leads  to  economy  of  the  rider's  strength. 
It  leads  him  to  determine  on  the  effect  to  produce,  the  in- 


38       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

tensity  of  that  effect,  and  the  exact  moment  to  conquer 
resistances,  at  least  to  foresee  them. 

The  agents  of  this  tact  are  the  legs  and  hands. 

Tact  of  the  legs. — The  legs  can  scarcely  act  but  in  one 
direction.  In  their  use,  then,  there  is  only  a  question  of 
intensity,  which  the  aid  of  the  spur  renders  still  more  en- 
ergetic. Nevertheless,  without  entering  into  a  study  of 
the  mechanism  of  the  gaits,  which  is  not  in  the  domain  of 
secondary  equitation,  the  rider  can,  by  his  seat  have  a  cer- 
tain feeling  of  the  changing  movements  which  constitute 
the  raising,  suspension,  and  planting  of  the  feet;  he  can 
profit  by  this  to  hasten  or  retard  their  play,  destroying,  in 
consequence,  the  combinations,  and  by  that  correcting  or 
modifying  the  gaits. 

Tact  of  the  hand.— Study  of  the  action  of  the  reins  has 
determined  their  theoretical  effects,  but  these  effects  may 
produce  very  different  results  following  the  quality  or 
faults  of  the  hand  which  provokes  them. 

The  qualities  of  a  good  hand  are  steadiness,  lightness, 
softness,  firmness. 

To  have  a  steady  hand  does  not  mean  that  the  hand 
shall  remain  immovable;  it  should,  on  the  contrary,  move 
up,  down,  to  the  right,  and  left,  according  to  need,  but  in 
the  execution  of  this,  it  should  be  free  from  all  involuntary 
or  useless  motion. 

This  quality  is  the  first  to  be  sought,  and  the  most  im- 
portant of  all;  without  it,  the  others  will  scarcely  be  pres- 
ent. The  unsteady  hand  can  have  neither  lightness,  soft- 
ness, nor  firmness;  its  indications  are  uncertain  and  the 
most  attentive  horse  can  not  obey  its  incoherent  actions. 

A  light  hand  maintains  the  merest  contact  with  the 
horse's  mouth. 

A  soft  hand  gives  a  support. 

A  firm  hand  gives  a  frank,  decided  bearing. 

The  hand  should  know  how  to  resist  authoritatively 
when  necessary,  but  should  give  way  as  soon  as  the  resis- 
tance disappears  and  should  return  to  the  softness  which 
is  alwaj'^s  the  union  between  lightness  and  firmness.  It  is 
in  this  sense  that  a  good  hand  has  been  defined  as  "a  force 
in  the  fingers  equal  to  the  resistance  of  the  horse,  but 
never  greater."     (De  Lancosme-Breves.) 

Actions  of  the  hand  vary  in  extent  and  intensity  with 
the  degree   of  training  of  the  horse.     Wide  and  extended 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       39 

with  young  horses,  to  clearly  express  the  rider's  inten- 
tions, they  should  be  reduced  almost  to  inviHil)illty  as  train- 
ing progresses. 

If,  at  the  beginning,  the  forearm,  wrist,  and  hand  par- 
ticipate in  the  action,  with  a  trained  horse,  on  the  con- 
trary, it  is  only  by  a  more  or  less  complete  relaxing  of  the 
fingers  that  the  rider  transmits  his  will.  Effects  of  trac- 
tion, pulling,  even  of  force,  are  succeeded  by  effects  of  in- 
dication, then  of  education. 

Equestrian  tact  consists,  on  the  whole  in  carefully 
choosing  the  determining  and  regulating  aids,  in  assigning 
to  each  its  part  of  action,  resistance,  or  passivity,  and  then 
having  the  effect  fall  on  the  point  selected,  taking  count 
of  the  seats  of  resistance  which  are  the  mouth,  shoulders, 
and  haunches,  and  at  the  moment  selected,  thus  taking 
full  benefit  of  the  laws  of  balance  and  locomotion. 

The  part  of  the  instructor  is  here  much  restricted  be- 
cause, not  riding  the  horse  himself,  many  resistances  es- 
cape his  knowledge.  The  pupil  must,  therefore,  double 
his  efforts.  If  he  does  not  judge  his  own  actions  properly 
he  will  make  no  progress.  Practice,  resting  on  good  prin- 
ciples, should  be  the  true  teacher. 


Chapter  IIL--SUPERIOR  EQUITATION 

(Education  of  the  Officer.) 


Superior  equitation  is  only  the  normal  development  and 
exact  application  to  the  use  of  the  horse  of  the  principles 
which  serve  as  a  basis  in  the  instruction  of  troopers  and 
noncommissioned  officers.  It  is  taught  especially  at  the 
Cavalry  School  and  is  addressed  always  to  a  selected  per- 
sonnel. Its  object  is  to  develop  the  enterprising  spirit  of 
officers  and  to  make  them  clever  instructors,  well  versed 
in  the  various  requirements  of  their  calling. 

From  the  theoretical  point  of  view  this  instruction  in- 
cludes a  knowledge  of  the  principal  methods  of  equitation 
as  well  as  the  several  means  of  training.  It  also  comprises 
a  thorough  study  of  all  subjects  of  which  a  true  horseman 
should  have  knowledge. 

In  practice,  besides  the  most  bold  riding,  it  involves 
riding  based  on  rational  principles  as  well  as  the  application 
of  the  laws  and  methods  having  the  training  of  the  horse 
as  its  object. 

Superior  equitation  also  teaches  the  man  to  preserve 
in  the  midst  of  the  greatest  difficulties,  a  perfect  seat,  great 
firmness,  and  an  exactness  and  "finesse"  in  the  aids  joined 
to  absolute  knowledge  of  their  use;  finally  the  ease  and 
correctness  of  position  which  prove  the  control  of  the  rider 
over  himself  and  the  freedom  from  all  thought  of  himself. 

It  seeks  in  the  horse  absolute  calmness  and  obedience, 
constant  impulsion  in  the  forward  movement,  an  absolutely 
straight  position  and  lightness  in  all  movements. 

Without  including  the  teachings  of  the  "high  school" 
it  nevertheless  borrows  certain  of  the  airs  of  higher  equi- 
tation, such  as  two  tracks  and  the  change  of  lead,  whose 
practice  marks  a  further  degree  of  submission,  in  the  horse, 
to  the  aids,  while  developing  in  the  rider,  to  a  higher  point, 
tact  and  the  feeling  of  the  horse. 

In  imposing  upon  both   horse  and  rider  exactness   of 

movement,  perfection   of  position  and  gracefulness,   the 

superior  equitation  follows  the   traditions   which  are   the 

strength   of  the  French   School.     The   qualities  which  it 

40 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       41 

develope8  are  a  powerful  element  of  discipline  because  they 
increase  the  prestige  of  the  officer  and  strengthen  his 
authority  by  proving  his  superiority  in  the  daily  work  of 
his  command. 


PART  II 


43 


Chapter  I.-EDUGATION  OF  THE  HORSE 

THE  SADDLE  HORSE. 

Qualities  of  the  saddle  horse. — The  military  saddle  horse 
should  carry  a  considerable  weight,  march  quickly  and 
long,  have  endurance,  hardiness,  and  handiness.  These 
aptitudes  are  given  b}'  the  natural  balance,  gaits,  form,  and 
quality. 

Natural  balance  allows  the  horse  to  remain  constantly 
master  of  his  strength,  to  be  able  to  use  it  under  the  rider's 
weight,  to  easily  pass  from  a  slow  to  a  fast  gait,  and  in- 
versely, to  have  suppleness  of  action;  in  a  word,  aside  from 
character,  to  be  easy  to  ride  from  the  beginning. 

Usage  alone  proves  the  value  of  a  horse;  experience, 
how^ever,  allow^s  the  establishment  of  general  rules  which 
guide  in  determining  the  good  points  to  seek  in  the  colt 
and  in  forejudging  his  quality. 

If  the  back  slopes  upward,  with  withers  well  shaped 
and  a  little  higher  than  the  croup,  and  if  the  chest  is  well 
let  down  and  can  thus  keep  the  girths  away  from  the 
elbows,  the  saddle  will  remain  in  place.  The  rider  and 
pack,  situated  betv*  een  the  two  pans  of  the  scale,  as  it 
were,  will  not  operate  to  break  the  equilibrium  and  bruise 
the  shoulders.  This  conformation,  joined  to  a  good  direc- 
tion of  the  hocks,  makes  the  horse  naturally  manageable 
and  facilitates  his  direction  in  combat.  In  the  daily  work 
the  strain  is  divided  over  all  the  springs  of  the  machine, 
so  that  none  is  worn  out  prematurely. 

The  gaits  should  allow  him  to  cover  the  maximum  of 
ground  with  the  minimum  effort.  This  condition  excludes 
high  action  and  puts  value  on  the  flowing  extended  strides 
which  are  least  fatiguing  for  horse  and  rider. 

If  the  trot  is  more  especially  the  marching  gait,  the 
gait  of  combat  is  the  gallop.  More  than  ever  the  present 
necessities  of  war  require  a  rapid  gait  sustained  a  long 
time.    The  troop  horse  should  be,  before  all  else,  a  galloper. 

An  ischium  relatively  long  is  a  characteristic  of  the 
galloper.     (See  fig.  1,  p.  46.) 

Agility  is  indispensable  for  a  cross-country  horse.  It 
is  acquired  as  much  more  promptly  and  completely  as  the 

45 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       46 

horse  possesses  the  elements  thereof,  a  wide  angle  between 
the  humerus  and  scapulum  and  power  in  the  hind  quarters. 

If  the  length  and  slant  of  the  shoulder  blade  joined  to 
good  direction  of  the  withers  aid  the  balance  by  well  dis- 
tributing the  weight  of  the  rider,  it  is  the  length  and  ver- 
ticality  of  the  humerus  more  than  the  direction  of  the 
shoulder  which  gives  freedom  of  gaits  and  leads  to  agility 
in  placing  the  forefeet.     (See  fig.  2,  p.  47.) 

The  power  of  the  hind  quarters,  the  seat  of  the  propell- 
ing or  retrograde  forces,  renders  the  horse  master  of  his 
mass,  and  consequently  of  one  part  of  his  balance;  it  gives 
him  free  use  of  his  hocks  so  that  he  can  engage  or  extend 
them,  hold  back,  or  stretch  out  according  to  circumstances; 
in  a  word,  he  is  made  master  of  his  direction  and  speed. 


i^;a\\vu,V. 


i.»i\uA-c    X 


Finally,  if  his  confidence  in  his  long  sloping  shoulders 
permits  him  to  land  lightly  and  without  apparent  efforts 
after  the  obstacle,  it  is  the  extension  of  the  hind  quarters 
which  gives  him  power  to  clear  it.  The  ilium,  then,  for 
the  saddle  horse  must  be  wide  (distance  between  points  of 
hips).  The  outside  angle  (at  the  point  of  the  hip)  well  de- 
fined; the  inside  angle  high  and  above  the  lumbar  verte- 
brae; that  is  the  loin  of  the  Irish  horses;  that  is  what,  in  the 
ignorance  of  its  causes,  is  commonly  called  *'the  bump  of 
jumping."     (See  fig.  3,  p.  48.) 

Conformation.— Add  to  these  requirements  a  neck,  less 
distinguished  by  its  actual  length  than  by  the  way  the  cer- 
vical vertebrae  are  attached  to  the  processes  of  well  sloping 
withers,  and  one  has  the  outline  of  the  horse  in  his  useful 
qualities,  the  conformation  to  be  sought. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       47 

One  of  the  first  qualities  of  the  saddle  horse  is  to  carry 
his  saddle  well,  that  is,  with  the  girths  naturally  well  behind 
the  elbows.  The  other  points  of  beauty  and  strength  are  a 
well-shaped  head,  above  all,  well  attached;  an  open,  in- 
telligent eye;  a  neck  well  proportioned  and  well  put  on; 
withers  prominent,  sloping  far  to  the  rear,  a  little  higher 
than  the  croup;  a  sloping  shoulder;  humerus  long  and  well 
letdown;  forearm  powerful,  wide  and  muscled;  the  chest 
ogival  and  deep;  the  back  well  held  up;  the  loin  wide,  with 
good  muscles  behind  the  saddle.  The  croup  symmetrical, 
long,  slightly  inclined,  and  muscular;  haunches  wide  and 


S 


coLAasjXk, 


prominent;  the  muscles  of  the  buttocks,  thighs,  and  gaskins 
well  developed,  and  descending  as  low  as  possible;  the  flank 
short  and  full;  knees  low,  wide,  thick,  and  clean;  cannons 
strong  and  short;  hocks  wide,  straight,  and  well  let  dow^n; 
the  feet  tough  and  dry,  correctly  sloped,  symmetrical; 
density  in  all  tissue.  These  points  taken  together  will 
generally  favor  the  balance  as  well  as  the  useful  gaits  of 
the  horse,  which  are  a  walk,  free  and  extended;  a  trot, 
starting  from  the  shoulder,  long,  easy,  and  regular;  a  gal- 
lop, sweeping,  powerful,  and  extended. 

Quality. — Quality  results  from  the  hardness  or  resist- 
ance of  the  organs  in  the  fulfilling  of  their  functions — from 
the  blood  which  supplies   the  energy  for  the  organism  to 


48       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

resist  the  ordinary  causes  of  weakness;  from  substance 
which  is  endurance  under  any  usage. 

Good  character  permits  quality  to  be  completely 
utilized. 

Quality  in  the  horse  comes  from  divers  sources;  it  is 
influenced  by  substantial  feeding  from  early  age;  some 
limestone  regions  increase  the  development  of  framework 
and  density  of  tissue  in  horses  born  or  raised  there;  above 
all  it  is  influenced  by  the  breeding  of  the  horse. 


^ ,5'5^*3^i"'^^Vc  .  .  .  .  ^  .^ 


"**Ji.     <*'^'^*f'  VAM^W  «UJ&*  V\i 


vV  vKwV  *>t  \Nj  »  Cr«  u^ 


5^M?    A.(v.u^.v,a^«x>.^^«v/C^«  ^.vi5V^i/^or.^G   >>XAxA^^^V^vVA^e. 


Breeding. — The  necessity  for  the  Army  is  a  comfortable, 
strongly  limbed  type  of  horse,  capable  of  carrying  weight, 
with  the  qualities  of  endurance  and  energy  which  the 
thoroughbred  stallion  alone  transmits. 

The  pedigree  of  the  horse  should  therefore  show  a 
goodly  number  of  thoroughbred  ancestors.  In  breeding 
there  should  be  a  proper  balance  established  between  the 
progenitors  of  the  thoroughbred  race  charged  with  keep- 
ing up  the  "blood"  and  the  half  breds  who  maintain  the 
size. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       49 

Relation  between  breeding  and  training. — The  Anglo- 
Arab  race,  result  of  crossings  with  the  native  Arab,  strong 
in  thoroughbred  blood  or  half  bred  Anglo-Arab  blood, 
furnishes  remarkable  saddle  horses. 

The  coach  horse  breeds,  bred  for  trotting,  only  occas- 
ionally transmit  to  their  descendants  the  balance  and  gaits 
of  the  saddle  horse.  Many  of  them  are  found,  however,  in 
the  cavalry  remount. 

The  nature  of  the  product  of  the  horse  breeders  bears 
largely,  therefore,  on  the  ease  or  difficulty  of  training. 
With  horses  bred  for  the  saddle,  education  is  a  quick  and 
easy  matter.  It  can  be  almost  entirely  obtained  by  a  well- 
ordered  course  while  putting  the  horse  in  condition. 

The  natural  balance  of  the  horse  makes  him  manage- 
able; there  is  no  pain,  so  no  resistance,  and  the  simple 
execution  of  the  ordinary  movements  suffices  to  make  him 
obey  the  aids,  at  the  same  time  strengthening  him. 

On  the  other  hand,  with  horses  lacking  the  necessary 
aptitude  training  presents  more  difficulty.  It  consists  in 
seeking,  finding,  and  demanding  such  a  position  as  will  lead 
to  better  balance  and  which  will  best  favor  impulsion, 
obtaining  a  better  partition  of  the  natural  forces,  overcom- 
ing physical  defects,  in  some  creating  by  habit  a  second 
nature  capable  of  a  greater  return. 


Chapter  II.--GENERALITES 


Quality  and  gentleness  are  essential  elements  in  the 
value  of  cavalry  horses. 

They  can  be  obtained,  or  at  least  largely  developed,  by 
the  care  given  to  the  education  of  the  young  horses. 

Influence  and  responsibility  of  the  colonel. — The  colonel 
facilitates,  by  every  means,  the  regular  and  complete  carry- 
ing out  of  an  instruction  which  must  be  considered  as  the 
basis  of  the  mounted  value  of  the  regiment.  By  frequent 
inspections,  by  reward  and  encouragement  of  all  kinds 
accorded  to  officers  and  soldiers  who  distinguish  them- 
selves in  horse  training,  the  colonel  exercises  a  personal 
influence  on  the  nature  of  the  results  obtained.  He  gives 
orders  for  the  proper  maintenance  of  the  riding  halls, 
the  regulations  of  the  out- door  riding  squares,  as  well  as 
for  the  construction  on  the  drill  grounds,  of  paths  on  which 
horses  may  be  galloped  in  all  seasons. 

.  Together  with  the  service  of  roads  and  bridges,  he  con- 
trols the  upkeep  of  the  soft  paths  which  follow  the  national 
and  departmental  highways,  he  thus  bears  witness,  by  the 
large  portion  of  responsibilities  which  he  assumes,  of  the 
interests  which  he  attaches  to  the  success  of  the  training, 
and  in  consequence  of  the  zeal  which  everyone  should  show 
in  this  work. 

No  horse  is  admitted  to  the  ranks  without  having  been 
presented  for  the  colonel's  examination  by  the  rider  who 
trained  it. 

Influence  and  responsibility  of  the  troop  commander. — In 
each  troop  the  captain  is  responsible  for  the  training.  All 
the  lieutenants,  sergeants,  and  corporals  and  certain  select- 
ed privates  participate  in  this  work. 

Lessons  in  training  given  to  the  young  horses  by  non- 
commissioned officers  and  privates  are  under  the  direction 
of  an  officer  especially  equipped  for  this  work,  chosen  by 
the  troop  commander.  (The  officers  not  engaged  in  the 
direction  of  the  training,  nevertheless,  train  a  horse  each 
year  themselves.— Translator.) 

Qualities  of  the  instructor  and  the  trainers. — The   officer 
thus  designated  is  taken  from  among  those  having  already 
50 


Manual  op  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       51 

had  experience  and  possessing  special  aptitude;  but  it 
must  be  borne  in  mind  that  among  these  aptitudes,  those 
first  required  are  good  sense  and  methodical  disposition ; 
without  these,  the  most  brilliant  qualities  will  remain 
sterile,  if  not  dangerous. 

During  training  the  young  horse  is  always  mounted  by 
the  same  rider.  There  results  from  these  associations  an 
understanding  between  man  and  horse,  which  serves  as  a 
point  of  commencement  in  the  education  of  the  latter. 
Training  takes  precedence  over  all  other  troop  work  ex- 
cept the  instruction  of  recruits.  For  this  reason,  the 
soldiers  emploj^ed  thereon  are  relieved  from  guard  and 
fatigue  duty  while  this  work  lasts. 

The  soldiers  employed  for  the  breaking  are  chosen 
from  those  having  a  love  of  horses,  liking  to  take  care  of 
them,  and  known  for  their  patience  and  gentleness. 

The  noncommissioned  officers  and  men  concerned  in 
training  should  be  in  addition  well  instructed  and  skillful 
riders  or  there  can  be  no  hope  of  success.  In  fact,  if  it  is 
the  well- trained  horse  which  makes  a  good  rider,  it  must 
equally  be  remarked  that  only  a  skillful  rider  is  capable  of 
training  a  horse. 

Care  given  on  arrival  in  the  regiment. — On  arriving  in 
the  regiment,  the  young  horses  are  isolated  and  placed  for 
several  days  under  the  eye  of  the  senior  veterinarian,  who 
watches  the  state  of  health;  this  isolation  is  reduced  to  the 
minimum  time  necessary.  They  are  then  distributed  to 
the  troops  to  which  assigned,  grouped  in  the  same  stable 
(in  each  troop — translator)  and  submitted  to  a  special 
regime  to  make  them  used  to  their  surroundings. 

The  first  cares  to  which  they  are  subjected  are  for 
maintaining  their  health,  to  mold  their  temperaments  to 
the  requirements  of  military  life,  to  strengthen  them  by 
well  regulated  feeding  and  exercise,  to  make  them  accus- 
tomed to  man,  to  familiarize  them  with  shoeing,  grooming, 
saddling  and  bridling,  and  the  weight  of  the  rider. 

Object  of  the  education  of  the  young  horse.— The  training 
lessons  are  given  both  in  groups  and  singly,  taking  into 
consideration  the  ability  and  experience  of  the  riders,  the 
character  of  the  animals,  and  the  exigencies  of  the  service, 
time,  and  place. 

Troop  horses,  to  be  regarded  as  completely  trained, 
should  be   able   to   execute   everything  prescribed  in  the 


52       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

school  of  the  trooper,  and  especially  they  should  be  quiet 
to  mount,  should  move  freely  and  true  on  a  straight  line, 
be  manageable  at  all  gaits  and  in  all  changes  of  direction. 
They  should  jump  or  pass  obstacles  of  all  nature,  endure 
the  pressure  of  the  rank,  leave  it  freely,  bear  all  parts  of 
the  equipment,  not  be  frightened  at  the  sight  or  sound  of 
obstacles  out  of  doors,  and  be  broken  to  the  use  of  the 
arms. 

The  very  numerous  means  of  training  are  left  to  the 
initiative  of  each  instructor,  but  they  should  all  proceed 
from  two  fundamental  principles;  the  establishing  of  the 
confidence  of  the  horse  and  the  methodical  graduation  of 
requirements  on  the  part  of  the  rider,  based  on  the  associa- 
tion of  sensations. 

There  are  numberless  means  of  establishing  confidence, 
of  which  the  most  useful  are  caresses,  rest  following  the 
least  sign  of  obedience,  easing  of  the  reins  and  legs,  pas- 
sing to  the  walk  after  a  fast  gait,  or  even  dismounting 
after  a  result  is  obtained. 

One  should  never  lose  sight  of  the  benefit  to  be  had  in 
making  the  training  progress  methodically  and  without 
haste. 

Nevertheless  gentleness  and  patience  must  not  exclude 
firmness.  Persistence  in  the  use  of  the  aids,  energetic 
action  of  the  legs  or  spurs,  and,  in  exceptional  cases,  the 
riding  whip,  the  driving  whip  and  cavesson,  are  means 
which  may  find  employment  with  horses  which  have  to  be 
dominated. 

The  moment  and  amount  with  which  these  means 
should  be  combined  can  not  be  laid  down  in  positive  rules; 
the  tact  of  the  trainer  is  shown  by  their  just  application. 
However,  the  ofiicer  charged  with  the  training  exercises  a 
constant  and  strict  supervision  over  the  manner  in  which 
the  riders  use  the  various  means  given  them  to  secure  the 
submission  of  the  horse. 

At  the  end  the  condition  of  the  horses,  the  cleanness  of 
their  limbs,  and  their  good  tempers  are  the  best  criterion 
of  the  skillfulness  with  which  the  work  has  been  directed. 

DIVISIONS. 
breaking  and  training. 
The   education  of   the  young  horses  lasts  two  years. 
The  absolute  necessity  of  this  rule  has  been  shown  by  ex- 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       53 

pericnce  under  present  conditions  of  raising  horses,  and  no 
one  has  the  right  to  disregard  it,  except  in  case  of  mob- 
ilization. 

The  preparation  of  the  troop  horse  for  his  career  com- 
prises two  periods,  each  corresponding  to  a  very  distinct 
end  in  view: 

(1)  The  breaking,  to  which  is  devoted  the  first  military- 
year  of  the  colt  (4  and  5  years  old) ;  its  object  is  his  phys- 
ical development,  which  is  obtained  bj^  appropriate  work, 
and  formation  of  his  character. 

(2)  The  training,  properly  said,  to  which  the  second 
military  year  is  devoted  (5  and  6  years  old)  and  whose 
object  is  his  complete  submission  to  the  aids. 

These  two  years,  in  spite  of  their  special  denomination, 
do  not  constitute  two  clearly  divided  periods;  they  repre- 
sent together  the  necessary  time  for  the  remount  to  re- 
spond physiologically  to  the  requirements  of  military 
service.  The  words  "6?*eafci7ip"  and  "trairi'in.^,"  neverthe- 
less, each  carries  its  idea  which  constantly  reminds  the 
instructors  of  the  great  difference  in  the  work  w^hich  an 
unwelded  colt  may  endure  and  the  requirements  which 
may  be  demanded  of  a  horse  of  6  years.  One  should  only 
submit  the  young  horse  to  the  necessarily  severe  gymnas- 
tics of  training  when  his  "morale"  on  one  hand,  and  de- 
velopment of  his  frame  on  the  other  allow  him  to  undergo  it 
without  fatigue. 

The  graduation  observed  in  the  exercises  to  which  the 
development  of  the  young  horse  is  submitted  constitutes  a 
true  conditioning,  with  laws,  principles,  and  a  hj'^giene 
proceeding  from  the  horse's  nature  itself.  In  what  con- 
cerns training  the  progression  is  practically  the  same  as 
that  employed  in  the  instruction  of  the  rider.  This  meth- 
odical order,  in  effect,  proceeds  from  the  simple  to  the  dif- 
ficult, it  regulates  the  demands  of  the  rider  according  to 
the  ease  with  which  the  horse  is  able  to  answer  them,  and 
causes  the  combinations  of  the  aids  to  be  increasingly 
difficult. 

One  must  be  careful,  at  least  in  the  beginning,  to  exe- 
cute the  movements  under  the  same  conditions  and  in  the 
same  manner,  until  the  horse  is  confirmed  in  his  knowledge 
of  the  rider's  actions  by  the  effect  of  repetition.  It  is  only 
little  by  little  that  an  obedience,  at  first  laborious  and 
uncertain,  will  be  transformed  into  nearly  instinctive  habit. 


54       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

At  the  end  of  the  second  year,  between  the  return  from 
maneuvers  and  the  1st  of  January,  the  "training  colts" 
work  with  the  old  horses,  in  the  instruction  of  the  troop, 
and  thus  learn  to  obey  any  hand.  This  forms  a  useful 
transition  from  training,  properly  called,  and  is  the  time 
when  the  horses  enter  definitely  into  service. 

Circumstances  which  may  influence  the  duration  of  the 
education  of  the  young  horse. — It  is  necessary  to  take  into 
consideration  in  the  education  of  the  young  horse  certain 
circumstances  which  may  greatly  influence  the  training. 
Health,  age,  race,  previous  feeding  and  work,  character, 
and  natural  balance  or  lack  of  aptitude  for  the  saddle  are 
some  factors  which  may  impede  or  hasten  the  progress 
of  the  work. 

Certain  aged  horses  sent  directly  to  the  regiment  from 
the  remount  depots  may  be  assigned  on  their  arrival  to  the 
6-year  old  training  sections.  Others,  on  the  contrary,  and 
particularly  mares  having  been  used  for  breeding,  should 
be  kept  in  the  breaking  sections  until  their  development 
is  sufficient. 

General  rules. — The  function  of  the  instructor  is  to 
study  and  weigh  all  these  considerations.  He  will  know 
from  his  experience  the  means  to  obtain  his  end  which  is 
to  have  the  young  horses  at  7  years  healthy,. free  from 
blemish,  and  able  to  fulfill  on  varied  ground  all  demands 
of  the  soldier  in  campaign. 

The  instructor  will  be  prompted  by  the  principles  set 
forth  and  developed  in  Chapter  IV  of  the  second  part  of 
this  work  and  by  the  following  rules,  which  he  should  con- 
stantly have  in  mind — 

Never  commence  work  without  being  absolutely  sure 
of  what  is  to  be  done. 

Progress  in  the  horse's  education  from  the  known  to 
the  unknown,  from  the  simple  to  the  difficult. 

Always  use  exactly  the  same  effects  to  obtain  the  same 
results. 

Remember  that  in  the  execution  of  every  movement 
position  should  precede  action. 

Never  ask  anything  of  a  horse  which  is  still  under  the 
impression  of  a  preceding  requirement. 

Never  combat  two  resistances  at  once. 

Do  not  confound  the  rider's  lack  of  skill  with  the  ignor- 
ance or  bad  will  of  the  horse. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       55 

Demand  the  new  step  at  the  end  of  the  lesson.  Pat  the 
horse  and  dismount. 

At  the  end  of  these  rules  it  is  proper  to  again  remem- 
ber that  during  the  whole  course  of  the  young  horse's 
education  one  must  be  content  with  a  little  progress  every 
day;  demand  that,  but  no  more. 


Chapter  III.-BREAKIXG 


OBJECTS  OF  BREAKING. 

First.  To  aid  by  hygiene,  feeding,  and  work  the  entire 
expansion  of  the  young  horses  physical  forces. 

Second.  To  give  him  the  first  ideas  of  the  aids  and  to 
prepare  him  for  their  discipline. 

Its  principal  objective,  then,  as  has  already  been  said, 
is  to  gradually  put  the  colt  in  condition.  The  various  steps 
in  raising  the  colt  and  the  sojourn  in  the  annexes,  i  where 
the  young  horse  should  be  submitted  to  a  certain  amount 
of  work,  serve  as  commencements  of  this  conditioning  and 
facilitate  its  beginning. 

Certain  military  or  physiological  exigencies  necessitate 
the  division  of  breaking  into  several  phases,  each  having 
its  end  in  view. 

Phaser. — The  dates  which  fix  these  steps  are:  First, 
the  beginning  of  January,  by  which  time  the  gentling 
should  be  accomplished;  second,  the  early  part  of  March, 
periods  of  drills  for  mobilization:  third,  the  departure  for 
maneuvers,  which  marks  the  end  of  breaking  and  imposes 
an  almost  complete  rest. 

The  periods  when  the  hair  is  falling  and  when  the 
horses  are  put  on  grass  complete  the  series  of  stepping 
stones,  which  will  again  appear  in  the  second  year. 

Importance  of  work. — Work  is  the  most  important  factor 
in  breaking.  Besides  the  role  which  it  plays  in  the  devel- 
opment of  the  organs  of  the  young  horse,  it  is  the  regulator 
destined  to  keep  his  health  and  character  in  balance. 

If  the  young  horse  does  not  work  enough,  he  becomes 
too  fat,  too  playful;  he  blemishes  himself  under  his  own 
weight,  increased  by  that  of  the  man,  and  he  spoils  his 
mouth  by  struggling  against  the  hand  that  seeks  to  hold 
him  down. 

Nevertheless,  the  colt  must  be  in  rather  high  condition. 

His  work  should  be  long  and  slow  out  of  doors  (one 
and  a  half  hours  at  least),  short  in  the  riding  hall  <a  half 
hour). 

1  Evidently  a  step  in  the  remount  depot  system.— Translator. 
56 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       57 

The  use  of  felt  or  fiannel  boots  is  recommended  for  the 
protection  of  the  legs,  especially  during  work  on  thelonge. 

Work  not  mounted.— Leading  at  the  side  of  old  horses 
is,  during  the  first  days,  an  excellent  exercise,  permitting 
the  colt  to  expend  his  energy  without  danger  to  his  legs, 
to  become  accustomed  to  outside  objects,  and  to  become 
calm,  which  is  indispensable  to  useful  work.  Numerous 
circumstances  in  which  it  is  necessary  to  lead  military 
horses  make  this  a  useful  lesson,  though  it  is  not  necessary 
to  keep  it  up  very  long.  In  these  walks,  the  colts  should 
be  led  first  on  one  hand,  then  on  the  other  to  avoid  always 
bending  the  neck  to  the  same  side. 

Work  on  the  longe. — The  results  to  seek  during  the  first 
phase  are:  Obedience  to  the  longe,  to  stand  still  while 
mounted,  to  bear  the  weight  of  the  rider,  to  move  forward 
securely  in  this  new  equilibrium. 

Work  on  the  longe  is  most  useful  in  training.  It  makes 
the  horse  familiar  with  man,  while  revealing  the  latter's 
strength,  and  thus  he  acquires  the  first  notions  of  obedi- 
ence. The  longe  permits  him  to  be  worked  at  fast  gaits 
without  fatigue,  to  be  exercised  when  he  can  not  be 
mounted  or  when  his  rider  is  absent;  to  dominate  a  vicious 
animal  by  hard  work,  without  fear  of  blemishing  him. 
Work  on  the  longe  is  the  basis  of  training  for  obstacles. 
One  should  profit  by  the  authority  which  it  gives  the  man 
over  the  horse  to  accustom  him  to  being  girthed,  to  carry- 
ing the  saber,  for  the  first  mounting  lessons  with  difficult 
horses,  and  finally  for  teaching  him  to  range  the  haunches 
by  use  of  tho  riding  whip. 

All  horses  should  be  perfectly  trained  in  this  work. 

The  cavesson  used  for  this  work  should  be  wide  enough, 
well  stuffed,  adjusted  so  that  the  cheek  strap  can  not  injure 
the  eye  on  the  side  awav  from  the  breaker,  in  working  on  a 
circle;  it  should  be  placed  high  enough  not  to  hinder  breath- 
ing, and  should  not  have  too  much  play  so  that  there  will  be 
no  violent  action  on  the  nose. 

The  driving  whip  is  held  in  the  right  hand  if  the  horse 
works  to  the  left,  and  vice  versa,  the  butt  coming  out  at 
side  of  the  thumb.  It  is  kept  out  of  sight  as  much  as  pos- 
sible, should  serve  only  to  threaten  or  by  light  touches, 
and  should  never  have  a  lash  on  the  end. 

The  first  lessons  are  of  such  importance  that  they 
should  be  given  by  the  instructor  himself,  or  by  noncom- 


58       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

missioned  officers  of  experience  and  proven  skill.  Besides, 
if  these  lessons  are  well  given,  they  are  reduced  to  a  few, 
of  short  duration. 

The  instructor  holds  the  longe  in  his  right  hand,  18 
inches  from  the  horse's  head;  the  other  extremity  folded 
in  eights,  is  held  in  the  left  hand.  After  petting  the  horse, 
the  instructor  moves  forward,  pulling  lightly  on  the  longe, 
at  the  same  time  clucking  to  the  horse ;  he  moves  thus, 
accompained  by  the  horse,  around  the  riding  hall  or  inclo- 
sure,  tracing  straight  lines  and  gradually  sharpened  curves. 
He  stops  frequently,  saying  "Whoa,"  pats  the  horse,  then 
passes  to  the  right  side,  changes  the  longe  in  his  hands, 
and  recommences  the  same  work  to  the  right  hand. 

If  the  horse  moves  forward  at  the  cluck  of  the  tongue, 
stops  at  command,  and  moves  willingly  without  pulling, 
the  instructor  stops  moving  on  straight  lines,  lets  the  longe 
slide  a  little,  and  puts  the  horse  on  a  small  circle  of  2  yards 
radius;  he  himself  moves  on  a  concentric  circle,  a  little  in 
rear  of  the  horse's  shoulders,  so  as  to  keep  him  moving. 
He  will  often  stop  the  horse,  go  to  him  and  pat  him,  and 
then  move  him  forward  again. 

In  the  same  manner  he  is  worked  on  the  circle  to  the 
other  hand.  If  the  horse  hesitates  to  move  forward,  the 
instructor  slips  to  the  rear  and  toward  the  croup,  while 
yeilding  the  hand  which  holds  the  longe.  If  need  be,  an 
assistant  may  help  him.  The  important  thing  is  not  to  be 
abrupt  with  horse,  and  not,  by  frightening  him,  to  run  the 
risk  of  making  him  pull. 

When  the  horse  moves  easily  to  both  hands,  camly  and 
at  the  walk,  on  the  small  circle,  the  rest  of  the  training  is 
easy. 

The  instructor  makes  the  horse  take  the  trot,  and  then 
the  gallop;  to  quicken  the  gait  he  uses  the  voice  or  shows 
the  whip;  at  the  beginning  he  always  accompanies  the 
horse  in  his  circular  movement,  keeping  in  rear  level  with 
the  haunches;  if  he  wishes  to  stop  the  horse  he  moves  to- 
ward the  shoulders;  little  by  little  he  reduces  his  own  circle 
until  he  stands  still. 

The  length  of  the  radius  varies  according  to  the  exten- 
sion of  the  gait.  A  slow  trot  on  a  small  circle  furnishes  an 
excellent  gymnastic  for  the  colt;  on  the  other  hand,  the 
extended  trot,  and  the  gallop  on  a  cramped  circle,  would 
be  dangerous  for  horses  whose  joints  are  fragile. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       59 

If  the  horse  attempts  to  escape,  one  must,  after  having 
ceded  slightly  to  his  movement,  resist  with  the  hand  and 
bring  him  back  little  by  little. 

If  the  horse  stops,  one  may  point  the  whip  toward  the 
the  croup  to  cause  him  to  move  forward;  if  he  cuts  in  on 
the  circle  the  whip  may  be  pointed  toward  the  shoulders  to 
force  him  out. 

If  the  horse  pulls  violently  on  the  longe  at  the  fast 
gaits,  it  is  because  one  has  proceeded  too  fast  in  the  begin- 
ning. Rest  him  often  and  begin  again  the  work  at  the  walk 
and  slow  trot  on  the  small  circle. 

The  early  lessons  may  be  made  easier  by  using  the 
corners  of  the  riding  hall.  The  wall  may  be  of  use  in  stop- 
ping a  horse  who  has  got  out  of  hand.  The  voice,  loud  at 
first,  should  now  find  the  same  obedience  when  used  more 
gently. 

The  longe  also  communicates  the  instructor's  will  to 
the  horse;  by  light  horizontal  oscillations,  the  horse  is 
kept  from  the  center;  by  more  or  less  marked  movement, 
one  may  slow  the  gait  or  stop  the  horse  when  he  does  not 
obey  the  voice. 

If  the  work  on  the  longe  has  been  well  directed,  the 
horse  should  be  calm  and  regular  on  the  circle;  pass  freely 
from  one  gait  to  another  at  the  simple  indication  of  the 
voice ;  come  toward  or  go  away  from  the  center  according 
to  the  liberty  accorded;  in  a  word,  be  on  the  hand  with 
the  contact  of  the  slightly  stretched  longe,  as  later  on  he 
should  be,  with  a  light  tension  on  the  reins. 

Saddling. — When  the  horse  is  calmed  by  work  and  per- 
fectly gentle  on  the  cavesson,  one  can  profit  by  that  to 
gradually  teach  him  to  bear  the  girths,  a  lesson  which 
might  present  diflaculties  if  given  in  the  stable. 

The  saddle  is  at  first  put  on  without  stirrups  or  stirrup 
straps;  the  girth  is  quite  loose  at  first;  it  is  tightened  grad- 
ually during  the  work.  When  the  horse  is  accustomed  to 
the  contact  of  saddle  and  girth,  the  stirrups  are  added  and 
allowed  to  hang  dowm  on  each  side  while  the  horse  moves 
at  the  walk  and  trot. 

He  is  thus  prepared  for  the  mounting  lesson,  w^hich 
becomes  easy;  in  fact,  defenses  nearly  always  result  from 
the  colt's  being  saddled  and  mounted  for  the  first  time  on 
the  same  day. 


60       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

Mounting  lesson. — The  instructor  determines  accord- 
ing to  circumstances  the  most  opportune  moment  for  giv- 
ing the  mounting  lesson,  but  he  profits  always  by  the  end 
of  the  work,  because  the  fatigue  which  follows  it  brings 
calmness. 

This  lesson  may  also  be  given  during  the  work  on  the 
longe,  but  always  when  the  horse  has  been  extended  by 
exercise.  He  personally  directs  the  first  lesson,  which  is 
given  to  each  horse  individually;  the  greatest  gentleness 
and  patience  are  here  necessary. 

Accompanied  by  an  assistant,  carrying  a  basket  of 
oats  if  need  be,  he  places  himself  squarely  in  front  of  the 
horse  and  pats  him;  he  takes  hold  of  him  only  in  case  of 
necessity;  the  rider  approaches  the  horse's  head,  pats  him 
on  the  forhead,  over  the  eyes,  on  the  neck  and  haunches. 
He  strikes  the  saddle,  lowers  and  raises  the  stirrups,  then 
takes  the  reins,  leaving  them  very  long.  He  mounts 
without  hurry,  but  also  without  hesitation.  If,  during  the 
lesson,  the  horse  moves  out  of  place  or  backs  away,  he 
comes  back  to  the  head,  draws  the  horse  forward  with  the 
snaffle  reins  and  quietly  begins  again. 

The  rider  in  putting  his  foot  in  the  stirrup  is  careful  to 
point  his  toe  down  and  not  to  touch  the  horses's  side;  this 
might  disturb  him.  He  should  not  stop  after  raising  him- 
self in  the  stirrup ;  he  would  break  the  equilibrium  and  run 
counter  to  the  end  sought.  He  should  use  his  right  hand 
to  assist  in  taking  the  right  stirrup;  in  seeking  for  it  with 
the  toe  he  may  frighten  the  horse. 

In  general,  he  should  avoid  putting  the  horse  in  march 
as  soon  as  he  is  in  the  saddle,  so  that  the  idea  of  the  for- 
ward movement  will  not  be  associated  in  the  horse's  brain 
with  the  reception  of  the  rider's  weight. 

It  is  best  the  first  few  times  to  terminate  the  day's 
work  by  the  mounting  lesson,  so  as  to  be  able  to  send  the 
horse  to  the  stable  as  recompense. 

If  some  horses  are  found  very  difficult,  the  instructor 
immediately  puts  them  back  on  the  cavesson. 

The  mounting  lesson  should  be  given  on  both  the  right 
and  left  sides.  This  instruction  of  the  colt  should  be 
pushed  very  far.  Absolute  docility  must  be  obtained  even 
in  the  midst  of  noise  and  movement — in  a  word,  under  all 
circumstances  where,  in  war,  it  would  be  valuable  to  have 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Traininc^        61 

a  horse  perfectly  still  to  mount.  However,  it  is  well  not 
to  require  too  much  at  the  very  beginning. 

Training  to  bear  the  saber. — The  longe  may  be  utilized 
to  accustom  the  colt  to  the  saber.  As  for  all  new  require- 
ments, it  is  wise  to  wait  until  the  close  of  work  to  give  the 
lesson. 

To  begin  with,  only  the  scabbard  is  put  on.  When  the 
horse  bears  it  without  fear  the  blade  is  added  and  he  is 
then  exercised  at  the  various  gaits.  This  work,  it  is  un- 
derstood, is  interspersed  with  halts,  caresses,  and  fre- 
quent rests. 

This,  however,  is  only  a  step  toward  the  series  of  ex- 
ercises which  habituate  the  horse  to  the  management  and 
use  of  the  saber  and  which  take  place  during  work  on  the 
road. 

Mounted  work.— Out  of  doors  and  in  the  riding  hall: 
As  soon  as  the  horse  accepts  the  rider,  his  conditioning 
must  be  commenced.  This  work  goes  on  without  inter- 
ruption until  the  end  of  the  military  year— that  is,  until  the 
departure  for  maneuvers.  It  should  take  place  out  of 
doors  whenever  possible. 

It  is  evidently  in  the  fresh  air  and  on  straight  lines 
that  the  colt  acquires  most  rapidly  his  full  strength.  Nev- 
ertheless, the  first  sessions  take  place  in  the  riding  hall  to 
enable  the  instructor  to  exercise  closer  surveillance,  to 
study  better  the  men  and  horses,  and  to  avoid  the  always 
possible  accidents. 

Some  old  horses  mixed  in  with  the  colts  can  have  a 
very  good  influence  on  the  whole  section  at  the  beginning. 

The  riding  hall  is  used  also  when  the  temperature  re- 
quires it.  Advantage  should  be  taken  then  to  give  the 
colts  the  first  lessons  of  the  aids. 

First  lessons  of  aids. — This  preliminary  education  is 
quite  necessary  to  permit  the  horse  to  be  handled  out  of 
doors.  It  consists  in  teaching  him  to  move  forw-ard  at  the 
call  of  the  legs,  to  slow  and  stop  at  the  tension  on  the  reins, 
to  turn  with  the  simple  actions. 

The  horses  are  bitted  with  double  snaffles  when  the 
resources  of  the  troop  permit;  otherwise  with  single  snaf- 
fles. The  quality,  adjustment,  and  maintenance  of  the  bit- 
ting call  for  special  attention. 

Movement. — The  base  of  all  training  is  freedom  in  the 
forward   movement.     From   the  beginning  the  horse  must 


62       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

be  taught  to  yield  to  the  two  legs.  This  lesson  is  the  first 
to  be  given  and  should  be  frequently  repeated.  For  the 
first  sessions  the  following  rules  are  apropos: 

First.  Do  not  let  the  legs  lie  "dead"  against  the  horse's 
sides;  act  by  repeated  taps. 

Second.    Touch  him  near  the  girths;  not  too  far  in  rear. 

Third.  Begin  by  giving  this  lesson  in  passing  from  the 
walk  to  the  trot,  then  in  lengthening  the  trot,  finally  in 
passing  from  the  halt  to  the  trot. 

Fourth.  Aid  the  action  of  the  legs,  if  necessary,  by 
clucking  immediately  afterw^ards,  with  the  tongue,  or  even 
with  light  whip  taps  on  the  shoulder.  Ihis  last  suggestion 
is  more  particularly  useful  when  the  lesson  is  given  in  the 
riding  hall;  outside  on  the  road,  and  especially  when  march- 
ing behind  an  old  leader,  the  colts  have  a  natural  tendency 
to  move  forward  in  order  to  follow.  That  is  another  reason 
in  favor  of  working  out  of  doors  at  an  early  date. 

In  the  forward  movement  the  reins  should  always  be 
stretched.  Otherwise,  instead  of  being  inclosed,  the  horse 
is  uncertain  in  his  direction;  he  wabbles,  and  the  rider  is 
without  power  to  direct  him. 

It  is  easy  to  maintain  the  reins  stretched  with  energetic 
horses  having  a  natural  impulsion;  it  suffices  for  the  rider 
to  fix  his  hands,  and  w^ithout  altering  the  speed  of  the  horse, 
to  moderate  his  excess  of  ardor.  It  is  more  difficult  to 
habituate  lazy,  cold-blooded,  or  grass-raised  colts  to  go  up 
to  the  hand.  These,  as  a  rule,  only  stretch  their  reins  when 
they  are  tired.  With  those  horses,  it  is  the  rider  who  must 
seek  the  horse's  mouth.  Later  on,  when  work  has  made 
him  stronger,  the  horse,  having  learned  the  habit  of  taking 
contact  with  the  bit,  and  urged  by  the  legs,  will  stretch  the 
reins  of  his  own  accord.  When  the  horse  obeys  the  action 
of  the  legs,  or  even  the  taps  of  the  heel,  work  on  a  straight 
line  at  the  walk,  trot,  and  gallop  will  lead  him  little  by  little 
to  take  the  desired  support  on  the  hand;  the  rider  should 
now  be  careful  not  to  rebuke  him  by  severe  pulls.  A  set 
hand,  with  fingers  closed,  would  hinder  the  horse's  mouth 
and  bring  undesired  results. 

So,  in  the  first  lesson,  in  moving  forward,  the  hand 
should  not  oppose  the  extension  of  the  neck;  the  fingers, 
on  the  contrary,  should  be  well  opened  so  that  the  neck 
may  stretch  out  and  nothing  may  impede  the  willingness  of 
the  horse  in  moving  forward.  The  legs  are  active,  the 
hands  passive. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       63 

With  some  particularly  cold  horses,  who  obstinately 
remain  deaf  to  the  call  of  the  legs,  it  may  be  well  to  use 
the  spurs  at  an  early  date;  but  even  in  this  case  the  spurs 
should  have  round  rowels,  or  should  be  blind  spurs.  With 
well-bred  horses  it  is  the  rule  not  to  use  them  during  the 
first  lessons. 

The  use  of  the  spurs  in  most  cases  does  not  seem  to 
comprise  a  special  lesson;  the  horse  nearly  always  responds 
to  them  bj^  a  bound  forward. 

With  mares  or  whimsical  horses,  kicking  at  the  leg  and 
refusing  to  advance,  it  is  generally  sufficient  to  put  them 
on  the  cavesson  and  make  a  vigorous  use  of  the  driving 
whip  coincident  with  the  rider's  attack. 

Halting.— To  halt,  the  rider  gradually  closes  his  fingers 
and  carries  the  top  of  his  body  slightly  to  the  rear.  He 
regulates  his  firmness  of  action  on  the  degree  of  sensibility 
of  the  horse's  mouth.  If  the  horse  leans  on  the  hand,  he 
uses  the  half  halt  to  modify  the  balance.  The  hands  are 
active,  the  legs  passive. 

In  halting,  the  horse  should  remain  straight  and  up  to 
the  bit. 

With  nervous  horses,  those  too  low  behind,  and  those 
with  a  tendency  to  back,  one  should  not  halt  frequently. 
On  the  other  hand,  those  which,  from  their  conformation, 
have  too  much  weight  on  their  shoulders,  should  be 
frequently  halted.  Training  is  nothing  else  than  a  search 
for  balance,  and  the  halt  is  an  excellent  gymnastic  for  those 
horses  which,  high  and  powerful  behind,  are  difficult  to  slow. 

Turning, — The  horses  are  accustomed  to  follow  a  man 
leading  them  in  a  snaffle  bridle;  this  familiar  opening  effect 
serves  as  the  starting  point. 

To  turn  to  the  right,  the  rider  opens  the  right  rein 
gently,  carrjdng  the  hand  forward  and  to  the  right.  The 
hand  which  does  not  act  must  be  carried  forward  and  down 
so  that  it  will  not  contradict  the  active  rein. 

It  is  very  important  that  all  sensations  which  the  colt 
is  made  to  experience  should  come  to  him  true  and  per- 
fectly clear. 

The  opening  effect  should  be  produced  laterallj^,  and 
the  least  possible  from  front  to  rear.  It  provokes,  never- 
theless, a  slight  slowing,  which  should  be  combated  by  the 
legs. 


64       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

The  horse  being  well  confirmed  in  the  movement  for- 
ward, since  the  action  of  one  leg,  while  assisting  the  for- 
ward motion,  also  pushes  the  haunches  to  the  opposite 
side  and  the  hand  tends  to  have  the  same  result,  advantage 
is  taken  to  confirm  the  action  of  the  leg.  The  colt  is  thus 
taught  the  action  which  results  from  the  opening  of  a  rein 
and  the  closing  of  the  leg  and  he  is  accustomed  to  carrying^ 
his  haunches  to  the  side  opposite  from  the  acting  leg. 

When  the  horse  easily  obeys  the  action  of  the  opening 
rein,  at  the  walk  and  trot,  he  is  taught  the  action  of  the 
bearing  rein;  that  is,  taught  to  turn  to  the  right  under  the 
action  of  the  left  rein,  which  will  be  a  useful  suppling  for 
him  later  on  when  he  is  guided  by  only  one  hand.  To  ob- 
tain this  result,  it  is  sufficient  to  take  advantage  of  the  cor- 
ners of  the  hall,  turns  by  the  flank,  demi-voltes,  or  other 
circular  movements  with  the  opening  effect  of  the  rein;  as 
soon  as  the  horse  commences  to  obey,  the  action  of  the 
bearing  rein  is  substituted  by  carrying  the  left  hand  for- 
ward and  to  the  right.  The  opening  rein  serves  as  a  sort 
of  interpreter  for  the  bearing  rein.  As  soon  as  the  latter 
comes  into  play,  the  action  of  the  opening  rein  must  be 
ceased  and  the  right  hand  lowered  to  allow  the  bearing 
rein  to  produce  its  full  effect.  After  several  times  alter- 
nating the  two  effects,  closer  and  closer  together,  the  use 
of  the  opening  rein  is  diminished,  and  then  suppressed,  as 
the  horse  understands  better  what  is  asked  of  him. 

Backing. — Backing  is  a  movement  of  secondary  impor- 
tance in  breaking.  It  should  only  be  executed  with  the 
rider  dismounted,  and  limited  to  a  few  steps. 

The  first  lessons  are  devoted  to  teaching  the  colt  these 
few  motions  of  the  aids  before  taking  him  outside.  All 
movements  possible  are  derived  from  these  four  elemen- 
tary actions  and  it  is  necessary  that  he  be  taught  them 
immediately  and  separately  before  associating  them  in  a 
manner  which  would  produce  combined  effects. 

These  actions  are:  To  move  forward  at  the  pressure  of 
the  legs;  to  slow  or  stop  at  the  tension  of  the  reins;  to 
range  the  shoulders,  and  range  the  haunches. 

These  elements  being  well  understood  by  the  colt,  the 
ordinary  exercises  of  equitation  judiciously  applied  accord- 
ing to  his  means,  the  maturity  of  his  development,  and  his 
physical  condition  will  accomplish  his  education. 

This  will  be  the  r61e  of  training,  properly  called. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       66 

First  lessons  at  the  gallop. — If  special  tracks,  sanded  or 
turfed  paths  are  not  available,  all  work  at  the  gallop,  for 
colts,  must  be  given  on  the  soft  footing  of  the  riding  hall. 

With  horses  from  the  South  (thoroughbreds  and  Anglo- 
Arabs — Translator)  who  gallop  naturally,  a  simple  closing 
of  the  legs  suffices  to  break  the  equilibrium  and  causes  the 
horse  to  take  the  gait  sought. 

It  is  not  the  same  with  horses  from  the  Northwest, 
often  cold-blooded  or  descended  from  a  race  of  trotters. 
Taking  the  gallop  by  extending  the  trot  is  here  painful,  and 
should  be  strictly  forbidden  as  a  cause  of  disorder  and 
accident.  It  is,  on  the  contrary,  in  starting  from  the  slow 
trot  on  the  circle,  a  turn,  at  the  end  of  a  movement  by  the 
flank,  for  example,  that  one  may  influence  the  horse  to  fall 
into  a  gallop  with  the  desired  lead.  In  any  case  the  aids  to 
employ  are  the  action  of  the  outside  rein  (bearing  rein  of 
opposition)  and  the  action  of  both  legs.  These  actions, 
while  holding  back  the  play  of  the  outside  shoulder,  push 
the  mass  of  the  horse  toward  the  opposite  side,  provoke  a 
breaking  of  the  balance  in  the  direction  of  the  movement 
and  oblige  the  horse  to  take  the  gallop.  A  few  clucks  of 
the  tongue  will  assist  the  first  efforts.  The  riders  help  to 
maintain  the  gait  by  swaying  with  the  rythm  of  the  gallop, 
continuing  the  action  of  the  legs,  and  gently  accompanying 
the  play  of  the  neck  by  the  hand. 

At  the  end  of  a  few  lessons,  the  gallop  departs  become 
more  and  more  calm. 

With  young  colts  it  is  not  necessary  that  they  should  be 
numerous.  It  is  the  time  spent  at  the  gallop  and  not  the 
departs  which  count  with  them.  Outside,  as  in  the  riding 
hall,  the  instructor  gives  this  lesson  to  only  a  few  horses 
at  a  time;  he  regulates  the  number  and  the  duration  of 
these  gallops  by  the  temperament  and  character  and 
breeding  of  the  horses.  Those  not  galloping  walkabout 
individually,  are  given  the  mounting  lesson,  etc. 

Preliminary  conditioning. — Just  as  soon  as  the  colts  are 
accustomed  to  the  man's  weight  and  have  a  sufficient  idea 
of  the  aids  to  insure  their  being  guided  without  fear  of 
accident,  the  out-of-door  work  should  commence. 

Fresh  air,  the  use  of  gaits  according  to  the  nature  of 
the  ground,  their  regularity,  their  graduation  in  length  and 
speed,  the  periods  of  rest  and  relaxation  intermingled 
with  them  are  the  elements  at  the  disposal  of  the  instruc- 


66       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

tor  to  accomplish  his  end ;  the  normal  development  of  the 
organs  of  the  young  horse. 

Organization  of  sections:  Leaders. — The  instructor 
groups  the  colts  according  to  their  breeding,  character, 
temperament,  and  gaits.  The  examinations  which  he  has 
been  able  to  make  during  the  first  sessions  in  the  riding 
hall,  the  descriptive  lists  from  the  remount  depots,  per- 
formances, and  the  age  at  which  the  horse  was  bought,  all 
aid  him  in  making  this  first  grouping. 

Each  day,  on  leaving  the  stable,  the  instructor  ex- 
amines the  colt's  legs;  he  makes  them  march  around  him 
at  a  walk,  studies  their  apparent  condition  and  their  ex- 
pression, and  asks  the  riders  about  their  character,  diffi- 
culties encountered,  and  results  acquired.  After  this,  the 
instructor  divides  into  groups  those  capable  of  standing 
the  same  work,  or  designates  those  to  go  out  alone. 

The  horses  who  work  in  group  are  redivided  into  small 
sections  of  four  or  five  each  and  take  their  exercise  on 
different  roads  or  at  sufficient  distance  to  assure  independ- 
ence, and  hence  calm,  in  each  section.  At  the  head  of  each 
section,  at  least  during  the  first  days,  an  old  horse  is  placed 
to  act  as  leader. 

Value  of  the  various  gaits. — The  walk  plays  an  import- 
ant part  in  conditioning  because  it  can  be  sustained  a  long 
fcime  without  fatigue.  At  its  full  extent  it  supplies  all 
joints,  strengthens  and  hardens  the  tendons,  and  produces 
quietness  and  power.  By  accompanying  with  the  hands 
the  play  of  the  neck,  which  is  very  pronounced  at  the  ex- 
tended walk,  the  rider  gives  the  horse  confidence  and 
teaches  him  the  habit  of  bearing  the  contact  of  the  bit. 
For  these  reasons,  this  gait  should  play  a  large  part  in 
breaking. 

The  trot  is  useful  in  the  beginning,  at  first  for  "taking 
the  edge  off,"  then  for  putting  him  in  motion  forward 
while  teaching  him  to  accept  the  support  which  he  will 
meet  and  which  is  necessary  for  him  in  moving  straight; 
thus  inclosed  by  the  legs  which  push  and  the  hand  which 
supports,  the  horse  falls  into  the  habit  of  fixing  his  neck 
in  the  direction  of  motion,  which  facilitates  his  training 
further  on.  From  the  physical  point  of  view,  the  trot 
stimulates  the  circulation  at  the  same  time  that  it  devel- 
opes  the  muscular  system. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       67 

The  times  at  the  trot,  to  commence  with,  should  be 
frequent  and  short.  The  length  is  increased  when  the 
horse  commences  to  come  into  condition. 

The  gallop  is  the  gymnastic  "par  excellence"  for  the 
colt;  it  puts  him  at  once  both  on  the  haunches  and  on  the 
hand,  and  it  develops  his  breathing  powers  to  the  highest 
degree.  It  is  a  gait  which  the  horse  ought  to  be  able  to 
sustain  a  long  time  without  fatigue ;  training  for  it  must  then 
be  started  early ;  but  because  of  the  mechanism  and  power  of 
this  gait,  it  will  not  be  used  outside  except  on  good  ground. 
Lacking  favorable  ground,  it  will  be  preferable  to  gallop  only 
in  the  riding  hall,  until  the  horse  is  more  developed.  Outside 
there  is  no  question  of  proper  leads;  the  instructor  pro- 
ceeds as  in  the  riding  hall,  by  breaking  the  equilibrium, 
and  he  regulates  the  length  of  the  gallop  by  the  progression 
of  his  work,  and  above  all  the  physical  state  of  the  horses.i 

In  the  beginning,  one  should  avoid  bringing  on  a  strug- 
gle harmful  to  the  colt's  mouth  and  which  might  break  his 
gaits  and  kill  his  natural  impulsion.  In  all  this  part  of  the 
work,  whose  objects  are  above  all  physical  development 
and  the  establishment  of  confidence,  the  rider  plays,  in  a 
way,  a  passive  part  and  he  makes  every  concession  which 
will  not  have  bad  results  on  the  health  or  character  of  his 
horse. 

Defenses  of  the  colt.— Here  Si  distmction  must  be  made 
between  meanness  and  playfullness.  While  the  first  should 
be  suppressed  from  the  beginning,  it  would  be  wrong  to 
punish  the  waywardness  of  a  colt.  When  the  rider  feels 
the  colt  ready  to  jump,  he  should  close  his  thighs  and  lower 
legs,  lower  his  hands,  close  his  fingers,  and  wait.  Likewise, 
w^hen  the  colt  escapes  the  hand,  and  bolts  out  straight  to 
the  front,  or  jumps  to  one  side,  don't  try  to  bring  him  back, 
as  do  ignorant  riders,  by  a  regular  action  of  the  aids 
(since  the  colt  barely  understands  them  when  he  is  calm 
and  at  a  low  gait)  but  set  the  hand  and  then  when  he  is 
calmer,  stop,  put  him  in  the  right  direction  and  move  for- 
ward. This  method  of  procedure  is  alwaj^s,  even  with  old 
horses,  that  which  gives  the  most  certain  and  prompt 
results. 

In  any  circumstance,  the  instructor  cautions  patience 
and  gentleness. 

1  These  gallops  at  first   very  short — 400  to  500  yards— are  increased 
progressively  to  reach  at  the  end  of  the  period  1,500  to  2,000  yards. 


68       Manual  op  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

Use  of  the  double  bridle. — When  the  horses  give  them- 
selves over  freely  in  bold,  extended  gaits  and  accept  the 
support  of  the  hand  without  hesitation,  one  may  put  on 
the  double  bridle  without  fear,  always  remembering  to  de- 
mand nothing  but  work  on  the  straight  line  until  the  bars 
are  accustomed  to  the  curb.  In  doing  this,  one  avoids 
letting  the  colts  acquire  the  bad  habit  of  overloading  the 
shoulders  and  boring  on  the  hand.  However,  it  is  best 
not  to  use  curb  chains  and  to  choose  mild  mouth  pieces. 

In  training  there  is  no  fixed  way  of  holding  the  reins. 
It  is  for  the  rider  to  find  according  to  his  end  in  view  and 
the  resistance  he  meets,  the  method  of  holding  which 
permits  him  to  utilize  most  effectively  the  necessary 
actions  of  curb  and  snaffle. 

Preparation  of  the  colt  for  his  future  use  in  case  of  rnob- 
ilization. — After  several  weeks'  work,  it  is  indispensible  to 
commence  to  prepare  the  horses  for  the  r61e  which  they 
are  eventually  called  on  to  play  in  case  of  mobilization. 
While  strictly  following  the  established  program  of  devel- 
opment of  the  horse  one  may,  for  example,  carry  the 
saber  and  double  bridle  in  the  road  work,  from  time  to 
time  accustom  the  young  horses  to  the  pack,  to  the  dis- 
tinctive headdress  of  the  rider,  to  the  cuirasses,  to  the 
handling  of  arms  standing  still  or  at  the  walk,  to  march  in 
route  column  or  in  line.  Likewise  by  taking  them  on  the 
target  range  they  may  be  accustomed  to  firing. 

Hygiene. — The  hygiene  of  the  colts  should  be  a  subject 
of  continual  thought  for  the  instructor  who  has  them  in 
charge. 

Grooming  plays  a  large  part  in  keeping  the  horses' 
health.  To  obtain  good  execution  rivalry  among  the  men 
should  be  stimulated  by  every  possible  means.  The  troop 
commander  and  the  officer  charged  with  training  visits  the 
young  horses  in  the  stable  daily,  regulates  the  feeding 
hours,  satisfy  themselves  that  the  horses  are  eating  well, 
that  their  teeth  are  in  good  shape,  that  they  receive  the 
prescribed  ration,  order  the  proper  substitutions  according 
to  season  (carrots,  etc.),  prescribe  the  days  and  hours  for 
mashes,  and  determine  their  composition  and  see  that  they 
have  a  good  bedding,  which  alone  will  secure  them  the 
rest  needed  for  their  health. 

Once  a  week  they  have  the  horses,  in  snaffle  bridle 
and  stripped,  led  out  by  the  men  who  ride   them,   so   as  to 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       69 

better  examine  their  appearance  and  the  state  of  their 
legs.    They  examine  carefully  the  feet  and  shoeing. 

Shedding  and  period  on  grass. — The  period  of  changing 
the  hair  (March -April)  and  the  time  when  young  horses 
must  largely  be  fed  green  food  (May- June)  are,  for  them, 
depressing.  Slacking  of  work  becomes  at  these  periods 
an  absolute  rule,  as  well  as  an  increase  of  feeding  to  com- 
bat the  physical  depression  whose  effects  may  often  be 
felt  for  quite  a  while. 

Choice  of  ground. — The  choice  of  ground  plays  an  im- 
portant part  in  the  work  of  young  horses.  Without  exag- 
gerating the  precautions  to  take,  there  should  be  chosen, 
at  least  for  galloping,  just  as  soft  soil  as  possible;  the  drill 
ground  track,  sanded  parades,  side  paths  of  the  roads,  and 
as  a  last  resort,  the  riding  hall.  On  hard  ground  the  joints 
tire,  and  the  lower  parts  of  the  legs  are  blemished.  A 
heavy  or  slippery  ground  also  offers  grave  difficulties,  the 
joints  are  strained,  and  windgalls  and  bursal  enlargements 
are  seen  to  appear.  But  when  the  colt  has  gained  some  ex- 
perience out  of  doors,  is  more  solid,  and  stronger  in  his 
gaits,  taking  him  over  broken  and  varied  ground  is  good 
practice.  His  initiative  is  awakened,  and  leaving  him 
great  freedom  of  neck,  he  learns  to  depend  on  himself. 

Individual  work. — Individual  work,  which  can  only  be 
outlined  in  the  riding  hall  or  on  the  drill  ground,  is  per- 
formed very  regularly  out  of  doors.  On  the  first  return  to 
the  stables  the  instructor  divides  them  into  groups,  whose 
size  will  be  diminished  each  day,  and  has  them  go  home  by 
different  roads.  These  groups  divide  up,  until  finally  the 
colt  is  accustomed  to  work  alone.  The  requirements  are 
increased  until  each  shows  absolute  freedom  and  quiet. 

The  mounting  lesson  is  frequently  given  during  work 
out  of  doors.  Results  acquired  in  the  riding  hall  have 
value  only  as  they  serve  as  the  base  for  the  utilization  of 
the  horse  in  campaign. 

Harness. — Ministerial  instructions  require  the  breaking 
to  harness  of  a  certain  number  of  young  horses  destined  to 
draw  the  regimental  transport  in  maneuvers.  They  are 
chosen  from  among  those  animals  showing  most  aptitude. 
This  training  is  quieting  for  certain  particularly  nervous 
and  excitable  horses.  To  obtain  this  result,  the  regulation 
breaking  cart,  which  should  be  found  in  each  regiment,  is 
used,  or,  if  need  be,  the  forage  wagon. 


70       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

First  instruction  over  obstacles. — There  is  advantage  in 
commencing  early  the  colt's  training  over  obstacles,  pro- 
vided only  freedom  and  skill  are  sought.  An  exaggerated 
effort  must  not  be  demanded;  but  at  the  same  time  he  must 
be  taught  to  respect  the  obstacle ;  so  he  is  exercised  over 
low,  stiff  ones. 

Leading. — The  horses  having  been  taught  by  the  work 
on  the  longe  to  follow  their  trainer  without  hesitation,  ad- 
vantage is  taken  of  this  to  make  them  pass  in  the  same 
manner,  in  hand,  all  the  small  natural  obstacles  that  may 
be  found,  such  as  ditches  at  the  side  of  roads,  little  brooks, 
banks  up  and  down,  slopes,  etc. 

The  instructor  should  not  forget  that  his  aim  is  to  de- 
velop skill,  that  this  is  only  obtained  by  quietness;  and 
that  gentleness  can  only  come  from  the  patience  of  the 
trainer.    So  no  violent  means  are  allowed  in  this  work. 

Nevertheless  care  must  be  taken  that  the  horses  do 
not  profit  by  the  amount  of  liberty  which  is  thus  necessarily 
given  them,  to  turn  on  the  man  and  strike  him. 

Passing  obstacles  by  leading  the  horses  should  not  only 
be  regarded  as  a  step  to  jumping  mounted,  but  also  as  an 
end  in  itself.  It  is  a  manner  of  crossing  which  must  be 
cultivated  and  perfected. 

A  troop  must  count  on  using  this  method  as  well  as  a 
lone  rider  who  finds  himself  faced  by  a  diflBcult  crossing. 

On  the  longe. — As  the  colt  gains  in  strength,  the  instruc- 
tor adds,  for  each  of  them,  some  lessons  in  jumping  on  the 
longe  or  at  liberty. 

To  jump  on  the  longe,  the  horse  is  put  on  a  circle,  or 
rather  on  an  ellipse,  so  that  he  will  always  have  a  certain 
space  of  ground  to  cover  on  a  straight  line  before  taking 
off,  which  allows  him  to  calculate  his  strides;  and  so  also 
he  will  not  turn  too  short  after  jumping.  The  instructor, 
to  maintain  him  on  this  ellipse,  himself  moves  practically, 
on  the  long  axis.  He  should  always  be  level  with  the 
horse's  croup  when  the  latter  arrives  at  the  obstacle. 

At  the  moment  of  the  jump  and  for  the  first  strides 
which  follow,  the  longe  should  be  allowed  to  slide  easily. 

One  commences  with  the  bar  on  the  ground.  It  is  not 
raised  until  the  horse  passes  it  at  the  three  gaits  without 
hastening  or  slowing.  To  calm  the  horses  and  lead  them 
to  raise  their  shoulders  there  is  advantage  in  making  them 
jump  a  long  time  from  the  walk  and  trot. 


Manual  op  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       71 

Every  timo,  during  the  course  of  training,  that  the 
horse  shows  apprehension  or  enervation  the  bar  is  put 
back  on  the  ground.  The  kind  and  height  of  the  obstacles 
is  often  varied,  and  the  horse  is  worked  to  both  hands. 
The  full  extent  of  the  horse's  power  should  never  be 
sought;  it  is  by  patient,  quiet,  and  repeated  work,  over  small 
obstacles  that  his  aptitudes  are  developed  and  he  becomes 
a  sure  jumper.  The  instructor  should  consider  jumping  as 
a  difficult  exercise  and  give  the  lessons  himself,  aided  by 
skillful  noncommissioned  officers. 

At  liberty. — Jumping  at  liberty  in  a  circular  chute  or 
in  the  riding  hall  may  be  employed  usefully  to  perfect  the 
style  of  some  horses,  or  to  teach  others  who  hold  back,  to 
jump  in  their  stride.  But  it  is  a  very  delicate  instruction 
which  necessitates  the  presence  of  the  oflEicer  and  all  his 
vigilance. 

Work  in  the  circular  chute  renders  the  horse  calmer 
than  that  in  a  straight  chute  because  they  may  be  made  to 
jump  several  times  in  succession. 

This  chute  is  built  on  ground  measuring  about  45  meters 
long  and  20  to  25  meters  wide.  It  is  composed  of  two 
tracks,  one  within  the  other,  each  consisting  of  two 
straight  sides  joined  by  suitable  curves.  Each  track  is  3>^ 
to  4  meters  wide.  The  inside  palisades  which  inclose  them 
should  be  1%  meters  high,  the  outside  one  2  meters  high. 

On  the  straight  sides  are  distributed  obstacles  both  in 
height  and  width,  made  so  that  they  may  be  jumped  in 
both  directions.  The  interior  track,  reserved  especially 
for  the  gymnastics  of  jumping,  has  only  obstacles  whose 
height  may  be  varied  according  to  the  abilities  and  degree 
of  training  of  the  horse.  The  outside  track,  intended  to 
make  the  horses  skillful  in  the  open,  includes  the  more 
important  fixed  obstacles  w^hich  the  trooper  may  meet 
across  country — bank,  mounds,  road  crossings,  wet  and  dry 
ditches,  etc.  Wide  jumps:  Ditches,  covered  ditches,  and 
those  with  guardrails  or  hedges,  frequently  found  out  of 
doors,  must  be  insisted  upon. 

The  instructor  remains  in  the  central  part  and  directs 
the  horse's  work  by  the  voice  and  driving  whip. 

Mounted.— When  the  horses  jump  skillfully  and  without 
hesitation  they  are  made  to  cross,  mounted,  several 
obstacles  chosen  from  among  the  most  simple.  In  this 
case  it  is  well  to  have  them  preceded  by  a  leader.  The 
riders  try  to  leave  the  neck  very  free  and  they  take  hold 
of  the  pommel  if  need  be. 


Chapter  IV.--TRAINING 


The  trained  or  balanced  horse  understands  the  rider's 
intentions  from  his  smallest  movement,  and  immediately 
responds  to  them  with  exactness,  lightness,  and  energy, 
in  other  words,  the  horse  is  sensitive  to  the  leg  and  light 
on  the  hand. 

Training  is  distinguished  from  breaking  in  that,  during 
the  fifth  year,  the  colt's  acclimation  and  physical  develop- 
ment are  of  the  greatest  concern  to  the  rider,  who  makes 
great  concessions;  while  at  six  years  it  is  the  horse  which 
must  submit  to  the  rider's  demands  and  show  complete 
obedience. 

Training  should  only  be  undertaken  when  the  horse, 
strengthened  by  fresh  air  and  rational  work,  inclined  to 
move  forward,  and  confident  in  his  rider,  is  in  shape  to 
understand  the  language  of  the  aids  and  to  lend  himself  to 
their  requirements. 

To  give  good  results,  training  should  be  derived  from 
a  doctrine,  follow  a  method,  and  conform  absolutely  to  the 
rules  of  both. 

A  doctrine  is  a  collection  of  principles  established  by 
experience  and  justified  by  reason. 

In  training  the  fundamental  principle  imposes  the 
search  for  a  calm,  forward,  straight,  and  manageable  horse. 

Method  adds  to  the  principles  the  means  of  execution 
and  rules  the  order  of  their  use.  It  varies  according  to  the 
particular  end  which  one  desires  to  attain,  and  according 
to  circumstances  of  time  and  place. 

The  method  of  training  set  forth  here  has  as  objects: 

1.  The    development    of     the     horse's     physical 

strength  and  moral  qualities. 

2.  His  submission  to  the  aids,   obtained  by   a  ra- 

tional progressive  education,   excluding    all 
effect  of  force. 

3.  The  search  for  balance. 

The  means  of  execution  depend  upon  the  temperament 
of  the  instructor  and  the  skill  of  the  rider. 

The  progressions,  containing  neither  rules  nor  means, 
are  offered  only  as  aids  to  the  memory.  The  series  of 
72 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       73 

movements  enumerated   in   the  progressions  are  a  mere 
nomenclature  of  the  figures. 

In  training,  the  value  of  the  figures  lies  only  in  the 
manner  in  which  they  are  executed.  It  is  the  position  im- 
posed on  the  horse  by  the  rider's  aids  which  counts.  One 
rider  may  trace  all  the  figures  in  the  regulations,  on  horse- 
back, in  the  best  established  sequence,  without  obtaining 
the  least  result.  Another,  working  on  these  same  figures 
but  with  a  clearly  defined  object,  and  using  his  aids  in  the 
service  of  this  object,  will  train  his  horse  very  quickly. 

Principal  factors  in  training ;  the  instructor.— The  worth 
of  the  instructor  and  of  the  rider  play  an  Important  part 
in  the  training.  The  instructor  should  possess  great 
knowledge  of  the  horse,  the  theoretical  and  practical 
science  of  equitation,  and  be  methodical;  finally,  if  his 
advice  is  not  suflicient  he  should  be  able  to  successfully 
take  the  case  into  his  own  hands. 

The  rider.— But  the  personal  value  of  the  rider  is  the 
principal  factor  in  horse  training.  Whatever  may  be  the 
method,  the  quality  of  the  horse,  the  worth  of  the  instruc- 
tor, if  the  rider  does  not  know  his  part,  the  horse  will 
never  be  obedient,  or  at  least  only  imperfectly  so. 

Therefore  the  first  requisite  for  successful  training  is 
good  riding. 

The  work.— Any  method  of  training  which  is  not  based 
on  bringing  the  horse  into  condition  is  not  a  military 
method.  In  training,  as  in  breaking,  exterior  work  forms 
an  essential  part.  The  instructor  must  maintain  the 
proper  proportion  between  exterior  and  riding-hall  work, 
so  as  to  further  both  the  suppling  of  the  horse  and  his 
conditioning.  Under  normal  conditions  the  work  in  the 
riding  hall  should  not  exceed  a  third  of  the  whole;  in  any 
case  the  sessions  in  the  riding  hall  should  not  last  longer 
than  three-fourths  of  an  hour,  during  which  frequent  rests 
will  be  commanded. 

Time.— One  should  not  forget  that,  whatever  may  be 
the  rider's  skill,  the  physical  and  mental  development  of  a 
colt  is  subject  to  the  essentially  variable  laws  of  nature. 
No  requirement  can  hasten  the  natural  evolution  and  sub- 
stitute itself  for  the  work  of  time. 

Patience  and  gradual  increase  of  effort  carry  consider- 
able weight  in  training;  to  go  slowly  is  to  arrive  quickly. 


74       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

PHYSIOLOGY  OF  TRAINING— INFLUENCE  OF 
CHARACTER  AND  CONFORMATION. 

The  horse's  mental  constitution  has  also  considerable 
influence  on  his  education.  We  must  study  it  to  take  ad- 
vantage of  it. 

Its  characteristic  is  the  memory.  This  quality  aids 
training  when  one  knows  how  to  profit  by  it.  On  the 
other  hand,  it  makes  errors  dangerous;  it  is  difficult  to 
retrain  a  horse — that  is,  to  make  him  forget  bad  lessons. 

Aptitudes  vary  in  different  animals,  qualities  of  intelli- 
gence likewise.  Some  are  found  which  understand  imme- 
diately what  is  asked  of  them,  others  are  very  slow  to 
learn. 

The  horse  is  generally  kind;  he  is  sensitive  to  good 
treatment,  to  the  voice  and  caresses.  Blows  do  not  subdue 
him;  they  only  serve  to  make  him  irritable  and  restive. 

He  is  capable  of  attention  and  reflection,  since  some- 
times he  executes  in  the  morning  movements  which  were 
difficult  for  him  the  evening  before;  he  has  a  tendency  to 
imitate.  It  is  on  this  latter  aptitude  that  the  use  of  lead- 
ers is  based. 

He  is  patient,  but  his  patience  is  not  unlimited.  To 
know  the  limit  of  the  requirements  which  he  can  endure 
during  each  period  of  his  training  is  one  of  its  difficulties. 

Training  disciplines  the  horse  but  can  not  completely 
transform  his  character.  A  mean  or  vicious  horse,  how- 
ever well  trained,  is  always  to  be  suspected.  In  studying 
the  mental  faculties  of  his  horse  and  in  joining  his  own 
efforts  to  them  the  rider  hastens  his  submission.  His 
physical  make-up  and  temperament  both  require  observa- 
tion. It  is  through  consideration  of  the  length  and  direc- 
tion of  his  members,  the  play  of  the  joints,  the  ease  of 
nutrition  and  digestion,  etc.,  that  one  may  foresee  the  good 
qualities  which  the  horse  may  offer  or  the  difficulties  he 
may  present. 

Limit  of  training. — In  the  study  of  each  subject  the  in- 
structor decides  the  means  of  training  which  best  suit  the 
case  and  regulates  the  work  accordingly. 

It  is  not  possible  to  give  a  horse  qualities  he  does  not 
possess;  but  one  may  always  develop  his  means  without 
ever  trying  to  obtain  by  force  what  he  has  not  strength  to 
give. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       75 

Certain  methods  of  training  may  pretend  to  obtain 
absolute  domination  of  the  horse.  They  subdue  finally 
both  his  mental  and  physical  forces.  But  these  methods, 
whose  base  is  the  complete  rassembler  on  the  spur,  are 
not  in  the  domain  of  secondary  equitation.  The  exigen- 
cies of  work  in  the  troop  and  on  varied  ground,  on  the 
contrary,  make  a  constant  appeal  to  the  horse's  natural 
forces,  to  his  instinct,  often  even  to  his  initiative. 

Base  of  an  equestrian  language, — In  order  that  man 
may  transmit  his  will  to  the  horse,  act  on  his  intelligence 
and  control,  it  is  necessary  to  establish  between  them  a 
sort  of  conventional  language  which  the  rider  may  easily 
teach  and  utilize,  and  which  the  horse  may  as  easily  un- 
derstand and  accept. 

This  language  is  based  on  the  law  of  association  of 
sensations:  "When  impressions  have  been  produced  sim- 
ultaneously or  have  immediately  succeeded  each  other,  it 
is  sufficient  that  one  be  presented  in  the  mind  for  the 
others  to  immediately  follow."  For  example,  if  a  horse 
moves  forward  at  the  call  of  the  tongue,  it  is  because  one 
day  he  saw  a  whip,  felt  the  lash,  and  at  the  same  time  heard 
the  call  of  the  tongue.  Whenever  the  last  sensation,  which 
affects  only  the  hearing,  is  alone  presented,  those  of  sight 
and  touch  will  come  immediately  to  his  mind  and  he  will 
move  forward  as  he  did  under  the  effect  of  the  lash. 

Likewise  the  horse  has  learned  to  range  his  haunches 
under  the  effects  of  the  riding  whip ;  later  he  will  range 
them  under  the  pressure  of  one  leg,  because  the  two  sen- 
sations will  have  been  associated  in  the  beginning. 

The  movements  which  the  horse  executes  naturally 
under  the  influence  of  the  aids  are  very  rare.  The  most 
docile  horse  can  not  obey  his  rider's  commands  if  he  does 
not  understand  them.  It  is  by  following  the  principle  cited 
above  that  one  may  build  up  the  language  which  permits 
the  necessary  understanding.  Sight,  hearing,  touch,  and 
even  taste  successively  come  into  play,  and  each  has  its 
part  in  this  education. 

It  is  on  the  longe  that  the  first  elements  of  this  are 
given.  The  touch,  then  alone  the  sight  of  the  whip,  pro- 
duces the  forward  movement,  to  this  one  will  associate  the 
the  cluck  of  the  tongue,  substituting  later  on  the  action  of 
the  legs.    The  traction  of  the  longe,  in  the  same  way,  paves 


76       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

the  way  for   the  opening  rein,  which  will  serve  in  its  turn 
to  interpret  the  bearing  rein. 

The  opening  and  bearing  actions  will  finally  lead  the 
horse  to  understand  the  actions  of  opposition,  to  which 
the  action  of  the  leg  will  be  soon  joined;  then  actions 
further  combined,  more  discreet,  though  perhaps  less  pre- 
cise. 

At  this  time  the  greatest  clearness  is  necessary  in  the 
impressions  transmitted,  because  on  the  distinctness  of 
these  first  indications  will  depend  the  clarity  of  the  whole 
language,  and  consequently  in  part  the  rapidity  of  the  edu- 
cation. In  part  only,  for  it  is  not  sufficient  that  the  horse 
shall  recognize  the  demands,  it  is  necessary  still  that  his 
mind  shall  consent  to  the  often  painful  requirements  of 
man. 

Again  it  is  the  law  of  sensations  which  gives  the  means 
for  assuring  the  horse's  obedience;  for  the  horse  to  yield 
and  submit,  it  suffices  to  follow  a  movement  well  executed 
by  recompense,  and  its  refusal  by  an  energetic  punish- 
ment. 

By  the  repetition  of  this  procedure,  obedience,  hesitat- 
ing at  first,  will  become  more  and  more  prompt,  then  abso- 
lute, finally  instinctive. 

To  arrive  at  this  last  result,  training  demands  much 
patience  in  order  not  to  irritate  nervous  horses,  but  also 
much  firmness.  During  the  course  of  training,  a  moment 
always  comes  when  difficulty  appears,  a  struggle  is  neces- 
sary and  must  be  taken  up.  The  tact  of  the  rider  consists  in 
determining  the  cause,  physical  impossibility  or  unwill- 
ingness. In  the  first  case  one  must  be  particularly  patient 
and  moderate  in  one's  requirements.  In  the  second  case, 
on  the  contrary,  one  must  take  up  the  struggle  resolutely 
and  conquer  lest  the  horse  become  conscious  of  his  strength, 
always  by  association  of  sensations,  shall  become  restive. 

Care  must  be  taken  not  to  abuse  the  resignation  of  the 
liorse  under  pretex  that  his  strength  is  disciplined. 

The  trainer  should  be  fine  enough  to  foresee  the  warn- 
ing signs  of  impatience  and  revolt,  and  to  limit  or  stop  his 
requirements  for  the  time  being. 

It  is,  however,  easy  enough  to  avoid  making  a  horse 
impatient,  and  one  may  make  him  repeat  the  same  series 
of  exercises  every  day  provided  there  is  a  certain  variety 
and  on  condition  of  giving  him  after  each  well  executed 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       77 

movement,  some  moments  of  repose  which  break  the  work 
and  produce  the  necessary  and  sufficient  relaxation. 

For  the  horse's  education  to  be  complete  his  obedience 
must  be  not  only  prompt  and  absolute;  it  must  be  auto- 
matic. When  the  horse  has  that,  the  producing  of  the 
least  signal  suffices  to  unroll  the  mechanism  of  association 
and  provoke  the  execution  of  the  movement  demanded. 
In  the  beginning  it  was  necessary,  in  order  to  obtain  a 
labored  gallop  depart,  to  use  both  hands  to  place  the  fore- 
hand and  both  legs  to  place  and  determine  the  impul- 
sion: later  on,  the  closing  of  the  fingers  on  the  rein  or 
the  mere  feeling  of  the  boot  suffices  to  obtain  this  same 
movement,  because  this  action  has  awakened  the  remem- 
brance of  all  the  other  absent  sensations. 

Since  it  is  by  repetition  that  associations  penetrate  the 
memory,  the  operation  is  necessarily  long.  But  by  substi- 
tuting for  the  repetition,  or  rather  by  adding  to  it,  the 
intensity  of  a  transmitted  sensation,  the  progress  is  hasten- 
ed. Strong  impressions,  even  though  little  repeated,  leave 
associations  in  the  mind  more  quickly  than  weak  ones 
which  weary  or  enervate  the  horse,  according  to  his  tem- 
perament. 

It  is  by  reason  of  these  principles  that  the  curb  bit  and 
spur,  when  properly  used,  allow  the  duration  of  training  to 
be  shortened.  If  the  horse,  by  distraction,  laziness,  or  bad 
intent,  attempts  to  avoid  doing  what  is  expected  of  him, 
the  energetic  action  of  the  fingers  on  the  reins  or  a  simple 
pinch  of  the  spurs  will  quickly  remind  him  of  the  estab- 
lished convention;  to  fix  the  associations,  by  the  intensity 
of  one  of  the  impressions  associated,  is  one  of  the  keys  of 
training. 

Pniiciples  of  movement. — The  locomotive  energy  of  the 
horse  takes,  in  equitation,  the  name  of  forward  movement 
or  impulsion. 

Impulsion. — The  forward  movement  is  the  first  degree 
of  impulsion.  This  quality  exists  in  the  horse  when  he 
responds  to  the  first  pressure  of  the  legs  by  extending  his 
action  without  sensibly  increasing  the  height  of  the  move- 
ments. 

Impulsion  is  forward  movement  submitted  to  the  exact 
discipline  of  the  aids,  and  exploited  in  view  of  the  object 
to  be  obtained.    It  is  the  base  of  training.    It  resides  in  the 


78       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

hind  quarters,  which  push  the  mass  forward,  or  at  least 
should  always  be  ready  to  do  so. 

The  forward  movement  is  natural  or  acquired;  it  is 
natural  in  the  hot,  generous  horse;  in  the  cold  or  lazy 
horse  it  is  the  result  of  a  training  and  dies  out  as  soon  as 
the  action  which  has  provoked  it  disappears. 

A  rider  is  only  fully  master  of  his  horse  when  the  latter 
has  entirely  given  over  to  him  his  impulsive  forces.  Cer- 
tain horses  hold  them  back,  part  with  them  with  regret,  or 
even  oppose  the  most  complete  inertia.  Others  use  their 
whole  muscular  power  to  struggle  against  the  rider,  resist 
him,  or  to  completely  escape  him.  Others,  finally,  lend 
themselves  generously  and  seem  to  put  their  strength  at 
their  rider's  service.  It  is  this  moral  as  well  as  physical 
submission  to  the  aids,  in  the  forward  movement,  which 
should  be  sought  before  all  else  in  training. 

Speed  is  not  a  criterion  of  impulsion.  The  impulsion 
is  shown  much  more  by  the  manner  in  which  the  horse 
lends  himself  to  the  rider  than  by  the  rapidity  of  the  gaits. 

One  horse,  marching  at  the  trot  or  gallop,  even  extend- 
ed, may  lack  impulsion,  while  another  may  show  much  in 
walking.  This  freedom  in  the  forward  movement  should 
be  carefully  protected,  not  only  during  training,  but  during 
the  horse's  whole  military  life. 

Besides,  good  use  of  strength  leads  to  proper  division 
of  weight,  or  to  balance,  and  consequently,  to  mobility  and 
manageability. 

Balance.— The  horse's  muscular  force  and  weight  are 
two  elements  which  concur  in  the  production  of  movement. 

Muscular  force  is  essentially  productive  of  energy. 
The  mass  of  the  horse  being  inert,  it  is  muscular  force  which 
provokes  the  displacement;  its  use  will  therefore  give  the 
proper  distribution  of  weight. 

The  precise  object  of  training  is  to  govern  this  force, 
in  the  combination  of  the  several  gaits,  in  the  several  de- 
grees of  speed,  in  the  changes  of  direction,  so  as  to  oblige 
the  horse  to  execute  what  his  rider  demands. 

In  theory,  movement  is  determined  by  the  different 
positions  of  the  center  of  gravity  with  respect  to  the  base 
of  support.  In  the  state  of  rest  the  center  of  gravity  is 
over  that  base.  Movement  is  nothing  else  but  the  rupture 
of  that  equilibrium,  the  members  intervening  to  steady  the 
mass  and  prevent  a  fall.    Thus  the  four  movements:  For- 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       79 

ward,  backward,  to  the  right  and  to  the  left  always  take 
place  because  the  center  of  gravity  draws  the  mass  in  one 
of  these  four  directions. 

In  practice,  a  balanced  horse  is  one  which  remains 
light  in  his  gaits  and  agile  in  his  changes  of  direction. 

It  may  be  admitted  that  the  horse  in  liberty  balances 
himself  naturally.  His  movements  are  more  or  less  simple ; 
but  the  mobility  which  he  exhibits,  shows  that  he  is  master 
of  his  strength  and  can  make  judicious  use  of  it.  With  rare 
exceptions,  as  soon  as  the  horse  is  mounted,  this  equilib- 
rium finds  itself  broken  by  the  rider's  weight  which  dis- 
places the  center  of  gravity  (two-thirds  of  this  weight  falls 
on  the  forehand) ;  in  addition,  the  voluntary  or  involun- 
tary actions  of  the  aids  provoke  numerous  contractions. 
One  part  of  the  horse's  muscular  power  is  thus  employed 
in  resisting  the  rider. 

The  less  a  horse  resists  his  rider,  the  better  he  can 
balance  himself;  the  more  he  is  manageable. 

The  conformation  also  has  great  influence  on  the  use 
which  he  makes  of  his  strength.  A  well-made  horse  bal- 
ances himself  more  easily  under  the  best  possible  mechan- 
ical conditions. 

Whatever  be  the  conformation  of  the  horse,  the  rider 
should  seek  to  make  him  retake,  as  soon  as  possible,  a 
natural  balance,  or  at  least  a  balance  which  approaches  it. 
At  the  beginning,  therefore,  the  horse  will  be  given  great 
liberty,  for  in  restraining  his  movements  he  is  prevented 
from  refinding  this  balance. 

The  more  the  rider  is  steady,  exact,  and  conciliating  in 
his  actions,  the  more  confidence  will  the  horse  have  and 
the  quicker  will  he  regain  his  equilibrium. 

As  training  progresses  the  number  of  resistances  will 
diminish.  The  horse  in  yielding  to  the  aids  will  make 
better  use  of  his  strength,  better  division  of  his  weight, 
and  the  rider  will  then  be  able  without  difficulty  to  give 
him  the  position  leading  to  the  movement  which  he  wishes 
to  execute. 

Locomotion. — The  order  in  which  the  horse  places  his 
feet  in  the  different  movements  and  the  several  gaits  forms 
the  object  of  the  laws  of  locomotion. 

In  superior  equitation  application  of  some  of  these 
observations  may  lead  to  good  results;  in  secondary  equi- 
tation  a  wider  point  of  view  must  be  taken  under  penalty 


80       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

of  following  a  road  but  slightly  practical  and   of  aggrava- 
ting the  difficulties. 

The  rider,  then,  has  only  to  occupy  himself  in  giving 
the  horse  the  position  which  should  precede  the  move- 
ment, leaving  to  the  horse  the  care  and  time  of  placing 
his  feet  accordingly. 

Role  and  position  of  the  head  in  movement. — When  the 
horse  uses  all  his  natural  means  to  aid  in  the  execution  of 
his  movements  he  employs  his  head  and  neck  as  a  governor, 
by  which  he  balances  or  modifies  his  forces.  If  he  wishes 
to  move  forward  he  straightens  his  head,  stretches  out  his 
neck  so  as  to  draw  the  center  of  gravity  in  the  direction  of 
motion;  on  the  contrary,  if  he  wishes  to  stop  or  back,  he 
brings  in  his  head,  shortens  his  neck,  and  thus  impresses 
on  the  mass  the  movement  to  the  rear. 

In  movement  to  the  side,  oblique  or  circular,  it  is 
again  the  displacement  of  the  head  and  neck  to  the  right 
or  left  which  facilitates,  rules,  and  maintains  the  turn. 

The  rider  who  wishes  to  be  master  of  his  horse  should 
place  his  head  in  such  a  position  that  the  bit  may  regulate 
its  displacements  as  well  as  those  of  the  neck.  In  this  way 
the  latter  bends,  shortens,  or  stretches  out,  according  to 
the  impressions  which  the  mouth  receives  from  the  rider's 
hand. 

In  order  that  the  impression  of  the  hand  may  be  trans- 
mitted to  the  horse's  mouth  clearly,  and  that  the  breathing 
may  not  be  hindered,  the  horse's  head  should  be  a  little  in 
advance  of  the  vertical.  It  should  be  made  to  take  this 
position  in  the  ordinary  gaits  and  the  simple,  regular 
movements. 

The  more  the  gait  is  to  be  shortened,  the  more  should 
the  head  approach  the  vertical  line;  on  the  other  hand, 
the  more  it  is  wished  to  increase  the  speed,  the  more  the 
head  should  leave  this  line. 

In  these  two  last  cases  the  position  which  the  head 
assumes  may  be  considered  normal,  since  the  attitude 
favors  the  slowing  or  the  development  of  the  gaits. 

The  head  may  effect  an  irregular  position,  too  close  or 
too  far  from  the  vertical,  by  reason  of  defective  confor- 
mation of  the  forehand,  badly  adjusted  bitting,  excess  of 
sensibility  in  the  chin  groove  or  bars,  or — and  it  is  the 
most  frequent  case  with  horses  that  "stargaze" — by  defec- 
tive conformation  in  some  part  of  the  hind  quarters. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       81 

The  rider  not  only  combats  the  faults  of  position  by  a 
judicious  use  of  the  aids,  but  also  by  using  a  milder  or 
more  severe  bit,  raising  or  lowering  it  in  the  horse's  mouth, 
loosening  his  curb  chain. 

Thus,  with  a  "stargazer"  one  should  increase  the  value 
of  the  arm  of  the  lever;  consequently,  use  a  bit  with  long 
branches  placed  low  in  the  mouth,  in  order  to  bring  the 
head  in.  For  the  horse  who  carries  his  head  too  low,  or  is 
too  much  gathered,  the  bit  should  be  placed  as  high  as 
possible  and  have  short  branches. 

If,  in  the  state  of  nature,  the  position  of  the  head  is 
determined  by  the  attitude  of  the  neck,  with  the  bridled 
horse  it  is  the  bit  which,  by  its  action  on  the  mouth,  makes 
the  head  take  a  position  to  which  the  neck  is  forced  to 
yield.  The  neck  will  therefore  raise,  stretch  out,  and  bend 
to  the  right  or  left,  according  to  the  manner  in  which  the 
hands  act. 

Role  and  position  of  the  neck. — The  neck  being  the  in- 
dispensable balance  for  aiding  movement,  its  position  at 
the  poll  should  be  such  that,  while  remaining  supple  and 
accepting  the  lateral  and  retrograde  displacements  with- 
out resistance,  it  should  always  preserve  its  support  and 
even  a  certain  degree  of  firmness.  Its  direction  should  be 
that  which  it  takes  naturally  when  the  horse  unmounted 
is  in  place  and  at  attention. 

If  the  head  and  neck  were  raised  too  much,  the  play 
of  the  shoulders  would  be  freer;  but  at  the  same  time  the 
loin  and  the  whole  hind  quarters  would  be  cramped,  the 
haunches  and  hocks  hindered  in  their  action,  the  displace- 
ments of  the  hind  quarters  would  be  restrained,  unequal, 
and  jerky;  consequently,  the  gait  would  lose  speed  and 
regularity  at  the  same  time. 

If  the  neck  were  too  low,  the  overcharged  shoulders 
would  render  the  horse  heavy  and  difficult  to  guide. 

The  neck,  then,  should  be  neither  too  high  nor  too  low; 
it  shortens  or  stretches  out  at  the  same  time  that  the  head 
approaches  or  leaves  the  vertical.  In  coming  in,  the  head 
bends  the  neck  at  the  poll  without  breaking  its  line;  in 
stretching  out,  it  extends  the  neck  without  raising  it. 

With  the  horse  thus  placed,  the  reins  will  preserve 
their  whole  power,  and  the  members  of  the  forehand,  like 
those  of  the  hind  quarters,  will  coordinate  their  actions  in 


82       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

the  movements,  whether  collected  or  extended,  as  the 
rider  may  desire. 

In  seeking  the  position  to  give  the  neck,  the  rider 
should  always  take  into  consideration  the  manner  in  which 
it  is  naturally  joined  on.  Some  riders  make  the  mistake 
of  demanding  great  elevation  of  neck  from  horses  which 
naturally  carry  low  heads.  In  acting  thus  the  hand  stops 
the  impulsive  forces.  In  requiring  a  position  contrary  to 
the  horse's  construction  the  hocks  and  loin  are  cramped 
and  he  loses  freedom  in  his  gaits. 

The  gather. — The  gather  is  only  the  placing  of  the  head 
a  little  in  advance  of  the  vertical,  the  position  which  has 
just  been  indicated  as  most  favoring  the  management  of 
the  horse;  one  should  seek  to  obtain  it  from  the  moment 
the  horses  are  put  in  double  bridles. 

In  secondary  equitation,  it  is  principally  by  work  on 
straight  lines,  by  the  extension  and  collection  of  the  gaits, 
that  the  horse  is  taught  to  take  this  position.  The  legs 
play  a  prominent  part  here;  they  should  always  precede 
the  action  of  the  hands,  for  the  head  only  comes  in,  the 
neck  only  bends  by  the  effect  of  the  forward  movement. 
Once  moving  forward  the  horse  meets  the  hand;  the  lat- 
ter, held  steady  and  low,  offers  the  mouth  a  gentle  support 
which,  in  restraining  the  extension  of  the  neck,  fixes  the 
head  and  forces  it  to  bend  and  as  soon  as  the  horse  obeys, 
the  legs  and  fingers  relax  and  only  again  take  up  their 
action  when  the  head  itself  takes  up  a  defective  position. 
The  alternate  active  and  passive  effects  of  the  hand,  pro- 
vided they  do  not  hinder  the  impulsion,  will  soon  give  the 
neck  the  flexibility  it  should  have. 

Suppling  the  colt. — Gymnastic  work  tends  to  develop 
the  colt's  strength  and  suppleness.  It  also  serves  to  con- 
quer resistances  which  he  may  show. 

It  is  executed  at  the  three  gaits;  at  the  walk  because 
the  rider,  being  steadier,  is  more  master  of  himself  and 
makes  the  horse,  who  is  more  attentive,  better  under- 
stand the  movements  demanded;  at  the  trot,  because  from 
the  conformation  of  the  horse  it  is  at  this  gait  that  the 
joints  play  most  easily  in  lateral  movements;  at  the  gallop, 
because  this  is  the  combat  gait,  and  the  end  to  obtain. 

Resistances. — The  fatigue  resulting  from  the  work  of 
training  and  the  constraint  to  which  young  horses  are 
submitted  during  their  education,  may,  on  their  part,  give 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       83 

rise  to  certain  resistances  that  may  come  from  physical 
defects — blemishes  and  weakness — or  from  nervousness 
occasioned  by  awkward  or  misunderstood  demands. 

The  principal  seats  of  resistance  are  the  haunches,  the 
spinal  column,  the  shoulders,  and  the  mouth. 

Whether  the  cause  of  these  resistances  be  moral  or 
physical,  it  is  by  rational  gymnastics  directed  to  the  several 
parts  of  the  horse's  body  that  one  succeeds  in  suppling  and 
strengthening  the  joints  and  muscles. 

Certain  movements  lend  themselves  more  particularly 
to  suppling  of  certain  parts;  the  instructor  regulates  their 
use  according  to  the  end  in  view. 

To  obtain  engagement  of  the  hind  quarters  and  mobility 
of  the  haunches. — The  haunches  are  the  seat  of  impulsion ; 
at  the  same  time  they  form  a  sort  of  rudder  in  the  changes 
of  direction. 

The  mechanism  of  impulsion  resides  in  the  play  of  the 
hip  joints.  It  is  this  articulation  which,  in  more  or  less 
closing,  leads  the  hocks  to  engage  under  the  mass,  allows 
the  horse  to  embrace  more  or  less  ground  in  accordance 
with  the  energy  of  extension  of  the  propellers. 

The  movement  of  engaging  under  the  mass  leads  to  a 
lowering  of  the  hindquarters — a  position  very  favorable  to 
rapid  changes  of  direction. 

The  croup  should  also  be  able  to  move  quickly  in  a 
lateral  direction.  But  from  his  constitution  the  horse  can 
only  execute  the  movement  by  passing  the  right  hind,  for 
example,  in  front  of  the  left  hind;  here  again  the  horse 
must  lower  his  croup,  and  draw  his  hocks  under  the   mass. 

The  movements  which  permit  us  to  obtain  this  en- 
gagement and  this  mobility  of  the  haunches  are:  Starts 
and  halts,  extending  and  collecting  the  gaits,  backing,  the 
demi- volte  and  demi- volte  reversed  with  great  collection, 
the  false  gallop,  the  broken  line,  and  the  circle. 

Extending  and  collecting  the  gaits. — This  work  includes: 
Being  at  the  walk :  Slow  walk,  extended  walk ;  from  the 
slow  walk  to  move  at  the  extended  walk,  and  inversely. 

Being  at  the  trot:  Slow  trot,  trot,  and  extended  trot; 
changing  from  slow  trot  to  extended  trot  and  inversely. 

Being  halted:     Walk  and  halt,  extended  walk  and  halt. 

Being  at  the  walk:  Take  up  the  extended  trot;  halt 
from  the  extended  trot. 


84       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

It  includes  also  the  gallop  departs  from  the  walk,  halt, 
and  from  backing;  passing  from  the  gallop  to  the  walk, 
halting  from  the  gallop,  extending  and  collecting  the  gallop. 

The  horses  have  learned,  during  breaking,  to  obey  the 
hand  by  slowing  the  gait,  and  the  legs  by  an  increase  of 
gait.    This  is  again  taken  up  and  insisted  upon  until  the 


rcctalUv/ 


viVjavx^^  A>*-vve>^ 


slowing  is  obtained  without  the  least  movement  of  the 
head  indicating  struggle  against  the  hand,  the  extension  is 
very  frank  and  immediate. 

Each  time  that  the  horse  fights  the  hand  in  slowing 
the  fast  gaits,  he  must  be  put  back  to  slowing  the  walk. 

Obedience  once  obtained,  one  should  concern  himself 
with  the  manner  in  which  the  movements   are  executed; 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       85 

the  haunches  drawn  under  the  mass  in  slowing,  the  vigor 
of  the  hocks  and  loin  in  the  extension.  This  is  obtained 
by  alternate  extensions  and  collections  brought  nearer  and 
nearer  together. 

These  results  acquired,  one  should  demand  the  most 
marked  extensions  and  collections — the  immediate  halts 
from  fast  gaits. 

In  the  work  which  consists  in  balancing  the  horse  be- 
tween the  hands  and  legs,  it  is  essential  that  these  two  aids 
never  act  simultaneously.  The  horse,  in  slowing  should 
let  the  gait  die  out  while  moving  close  to  the  ground ;  at 
the  call  of  the  legs,  he  should  push  himself  vigorously  for- 
ward. If  his  motions  are  high,  it  is  because  the  hand  has 
not  yielded  in  time  to  let  the  impulsion  pass. 

If  the  horse  moves  sidewise  in  slowing,  he  is  straight- 
ened by  opposing  the  shoulder  to  the  haunch.  These  sup- 
plings  are  interspersed  with  periods  at  a  free  gait.  With 
lazy  horses  one  should  especially  insist  on  immediate 
obedience  in  the  extensions;  with  hot  horses,  in  the  collec- 
tions. 

When  once  this  work  is  well  executed  on  the  straight 
line,  it  is  repeated  on  the  circle  which  will  permit  a  greater 
engagement  of  the  interior  haunch.  The  diameter  of  the 
circle  is  reduced  according  to  the  progress  of  the  horses ; 
but  the  horse  must  not  be  allowed  to  modify  this  diameter 
himself  at  the  same  time  as  the  gait;  that  is,  to  make  it 
smaller  in  slowing  and  larger  in  extending. 

In  the  riding  hall  one  will  practice  only  the  increase 
and  decrease  of  the  riding-hall  gallop;  outside,  on  straight 
courses,  the  speed  will  be  changed  in  every  form  of  gallop, 
from  the  most  collected  canter  to  the  run  and  inversely. 
That  is  proof  of  all  preceding  work. 

If  the  horse  bores,  or  fights  the  hand,  he  must  be  re- 
turned to  the  riding  hall  for  the  work  in  slowing  the  walk 
and  canter;  the  object  is  thus  accomplished  more  surely 
and  with  less  risk  to  his  legs  than  if  one  were  to  insist  on 
submission  in  the  work  at  fast  gaits. 

The  halt,  the  half  halt. — Considered  from  the  point  of 
view  of  training  the  object  of  the  halt  is  not  to  stop  the 
horse  in  some  position  or  other,  but  above  all  to  teach  him 
to  balance  himself  by  the  engagement  of  the  haunches. 

The  halt  is  produced  by  the  action  of  the  fingers  in 
closing  on  the  adjusted  reins.    If  the  hocks  remain  out  in 


86       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

rear  or  are  thrown  to  one  side  to  avoid  an  engagement, 
which  is  always  painful  at  first,  the  legs  intervene  to  push 
the  haunches  gently  under  the  mass.  The  hand  remains 
passive. 

The  results  of  halting  are  to  gather  the  horse's  forces, 
educate  his  mouth,  fix  his  head  and  haunches,  and  to  make 
him  lighter. 

The  halt  must  be  practiced  gradually  and  very  gently 
at  first.  One  should  be  very  careful  with  horses  whose 
necks  are  "upside  down,"  who  are  long  coupled,  tucked  up, 
or  too  nervous.  These  kinds  of  horses  are  generally  weak 
in  the  loin,  they  accept  the  halt  with  difficulty,  and  the 
remedy  becomes  worse  than  the  evil. 

With  horses  which  are  lacking  in  impulsion  the  halt 
must  be  absolutely  avoided. 

Summing  up,  halting  is  only  suitable  for  horses  having 
good  loins  and  sufficient  vigor  in  the  haunches  and  backs 
to  stop  cleanly  on  the  hindquarters. 

It  is  not  the  same  with  half  halt.  The  half  halt  is  pro- 
duced by  the  action  of  the  hand  acting  from  below  upward 
and  slightly  from  front  to  rear,  without  stopping  the  horse, 
but  raising  the  forehand  when  the  horse  bears  on  the  bit. 

The  half  halt,  which  was  defined  in  the  chapter  on  aids, 
irritates  the  horse  less  than  the  halt;  one  may,  therefore, 
employ  it  without  fear  on  all,  save  again  those  that  hold 
back. 

The  result  sought  is  to  support  the  forehand  and  con- 
sequently to  lower  the  croup,  without  producing  a  slowing 
of  the  gait. 

The  broken  line,  circle,  and  serpentine,  when  demand- 
ed by  the  reins  alone  acting  on  the  forehead,  not  only  have 
the  effect  of  supphng  the  shoulders  but  also  favor  the  en- 
gagement of  the  haunches. 

The  same  movements,  when  the  leg  pushes  the  haun- 
ches to  the  outside,  give  great  mobility  to  the  hindquar- 
ters. One  should  know,  in  using  them,  the  end  to  be  ob- 
tained, and  employ  them  accordingly. 

The  search  for  mobility  of  the  hindquarters  is  limited 
to  necessity,  which  is  strict  obedience  to  the  leg.  Its  only 
object  is  to  permit  the  horse  to  be  kept  straight  in  all  cir- 
cumstances. 

The  demivolte,  when  the  radius  is  decreased,  leads  to 
more  marked  engagement  of  the  haunches.    The  half  turn 


Manual  op  Equitation  and  Horse  Trainino       87 

on  the  haunches  (about  on  the  haunclies),  which  is  its  limit, 
gives  the  last  degree  of  this  engagement. 

The  demivolte  reversed,  as  the  radius  is  decreased, 
prepares  the  mobility  of  the  haunches.  The  half  turn 
(about)  on  the  forehand,  which  is  its  limit,  gives  absolute 
mobility  of  the  hindquarters  by  displacing  them  about  the 
forehand. 

False  gallop. — The  horse  is  prepared  for  the  work  at 
the  false  gallop  by  the  broken  line  at  the  gallop  in  accen- 
tuating the  false  turns  which  this  movement  gives.  Fol- 
lowing this,  the  figure  of  eight  and  serpentine  are  taken  up. 

The  work  on  the  eight  is  commenced  on  a  large  eight 
inscribed  in  the  length  of  the  riding  hall  and  executed  only 
once  (tw^o  consecutive  changes  of  hand).  When  the 
movement  is  executed  without  excitement  the  horses  are 
kept  for  a  longer  time  on  this  large  eight.  When  they  gal- 
lop calmly  and  well  extended  the  figure  is  made  smaller 
little  by  little.  The  suppling  should  be  sought  by  long 
frequent  work  on  the  large  eight  rather  than  by  an  exag- 
gerated closing  of  it,  especially  with  cold-blooded  horses. 
Likewise,  the  serpentine  consists  at  first  of  only  one  turn, 
to  be  made  gradually  smaller  as  the  horse  progresses. 

This  work  leads  the  horse  to  modify  his  balance  him- 
self, and  it  gives  the  alternacy  of  extension  and  engage- 
ment which  is  sought  in  all  these  gymnastics. 

To  avoid  the  useless  difficulty  of  departing  in  the  false 
gallop,  one  should  always  commence  by  a  true  turn.  Dur- 
ing the  false  turn  the  inside  rein,  by  calculated  opposition, 
maintains  the  inside  shoulder  and  haunch  in  rear,  so  as  to 
avoid  the  change  of  lead.  This  opposition  diminishes  as 
the  horses  take  the  false  turn  more  willingly. 

Backing. — Although  backing  may  be  quite  a  punish- 
ment for  a  horse  which,  in  spite  of  halts  and  half  halts, 
seeks  to  force  the  hand  or  to  bear  heavily  on  the  bit,  it  is 
also  a  means  which  serves  to  supple  his  spinal  column  and 
which  may  dispose  him  to  place  himself  on  his  haunches. 

Backing  marks  a  further  degree  in  the  gymnastic 
which  consists  in  alternately  reducing  and  increasing  the 
base  of  support. 

The  suppling  undergone  by  the  young  horse  in  the  ex- 
tension and  collection  of  gaits  will  generally  lead  to  his 
backing  without  diflflculty. 


88       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

The  horse,  nevertheless,  through  pain  or  stubbornness, 
may  refuse  to  back.  He  braces  himself  with  his  haunches, 
contracts  the  spinal  column,  and  resists  the  action  of  the 
reins.  To  combat  these  bad  habits,  which  lead  to  his 
always  hanging  back,  the  rider  should  displace  the  croup  by 
the  action  of  the  leg  or  oppose  alternately  each  of  the 
shoulders  to  the  corresponding  haunch.  One  must  profit  by 
the  displacement  of  the  haunch  to  take  up  again  the  action 
of  the  hands. 

In  the  execution  of  this  movement  the  horse  should  be 
calm,  straight,  move  slowly,  and  should  always  remain 
ready  to  move  forward  at  the  call  of  the  legs.  In  the  be- 
ginning, above  all  with  hot  horses,  it  is  best  after  having 
again  moved  forward  to  follow  the  movement  of  backing 
with  rest,  the  reins  long. 

These  results  acquired,  one  should  commence  to  pass 
from  the  forward  to  the  backward  movement  and  recip- 
rocally; the  horse  is  thus  balanced  between  the  two,  only 
making  a  few  steps  in  each. 

Suppling  of  the  spinal  column  is  obtained  by  the  move- 
ments just  enumerated,  but,  above  all,  by  work  on  a  small 
circle  executed  at  the  gallop  with  increasing  rapidity. 
This  is  the  best  lateral  suppling;  it  should  be  frequently 
practiced. 

The  horses  being  at  the  gallop  on  the  circle,  the  in- 
structor, to  avoid  the  fatigue  of  prolonged  work  on  short 
turns,  alternately  diminishes  the  circle  for  several  turns, 
then  enlarges  it.  The  tendency  on  the  part  of  the  horses 
to  slow  down  as  the  circle  is  diminished  must  be  combated. 
The  short  turn  is  easy  at  the  slow  gallop;  what  is  difficult 
and  what  must  be  obtained  is  the  short  turn  at  a  rapid 
gait. 

To  obtain  free  play  of  the  shoulders. — The  horse  which, 
in  liberty,  moves  and  balances  himself  with  ease,  generally 
becomes  heavy  on  the  hand  when  mounted.  This  change 
of  attitude  comes  in  part  from  the  division  of  the  rider's 
weight  and  in  part  from  the  fact  that  while  the  horse 
would  balance  himself  for  movements  which  he  wishes 
to  execute,  he  does  not  yet  know  how  to  balance  himself 
for  the  movements  which  the  rider  demands. 

The  best  gymnastics  to  give  mobility  to  the  shoulders 
and  lightness  to  the  forehand  include  collections,  especially 
the  broken  line  and  serpentine,  the  turns  being  demanded 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       89 

by  the  reins  alone,  making  the  forehand  pivot  about  the 
haunches— the  circle  with  the  croup  inside,  demivoltes 
collected  until  the  half  turn  on  the  haunches  is  reached, 
two  tracks,  and  shoulder  in. 

The  broken  lines,  at  a  very  collected  gallop,  should  be 
especially  insisted  upon.  This  is  the  best  lesson  for  ren- 
dering the  horse  supple  and  mobile  in  the  gallop,  easy  to 
guide,  and  clever  on  varied  ground. 

All  these  movements  are  demanded  by  the  bearing 
rein,  which  acts  indirectly  but  very  efficiently  on  the 
shoulders. 

It  should  be  remarked  that  the  several  movements 
enumerated  above  do  not  of  themselves  carry  a  special 
power  leading  straight  to  the  end  sought.  The  rider  in- 
tervening according  to  his  object  and  the  resistance  which 
he  meets  must  act  with  tact;  that  is,  with  more  or  less  en- 
ergy or  gentleness,  according  to  circumstances. 

Wide  at  the  beginning,  in  order  not  to  discourage  the 
horse,  the  different  movements  should  be  progressively 
made  smaller,  so  that  finally  the  complete  submission  to 
the  aids  necessary  to  individual  combat  will  be  obtained. 

The  forward  movement  must  be  carefully  guarded  dur- 
ing all  the  gymnastic  work,  and  it  is  always  necessary  after 
collected  work  to  let  the  horse  stretch  himself  in  extend- 
ing the  gait  before  resting  him,  through  fear  of  losing  im- 
pulsion. 

To  obtain  suppleness  of  the  jaw. — Suppleness  of  the  jaw 
is  the  apparent  sign  of  lightness;  it  indicates  a  general  re- 
laxation. With  a  horse  whose  mouth  is  normal,  the  gym- 
nastic exercises  which  supple  and  strenghten  the  colt  lead 
naturally  to  this  mobility  of  the  jaw.  This  is,  in  a  way,  the 
proof  of  his  willing  obedience.  But  some  horses,  in  spite 
of  a  relative  suppleness  of  the  rest  of  the  machine,  pre- 
serve an  abnormal  stiffness  in  the  jaw. 

The  origin  of  all  defenses  is  pain.  Contraction  of  the 
horse's  jaw  may  be  provoked  by  a  bit  badly  adapted  to  his 
conformation,  whether  the  mouth  be  too  sensitive  for  the 
bit  or  whether  its  sensibility  has  been  deadened  until  it  no 
longer  perceives  the  effects. 

The  first  remedy  consists  in  properly  choosing  and  ad- 
justing the  bits.  Their  nature,  their  position  in  the  mouth, 
the  dimensions  of  the    branches,    the    thickness    of    the 


90       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Hokse  Training 

canons,  the  presence  or  absence  of  the  curb,  the  tightness 
of  the  curb  chain,  permit  us  to  combat  many  resistances. 

Nevertheless,  under  the  action  of  a  brutal  or  merely 
awkward  hand,  the  best  bitted  horse  will  take  up  positions 
or  habits  which  are  true  defenses,  since  they  permit  him 
to  avoid  the  constraint  of  the  bit. 

In  these  particular  cases  it  is  necessary  to  reeducate 
the  mouth  by  aid  of  appropriate  supplings.  The  object  is 
to  destroy  the  bad  habits,  in  order  to  replace  them  by 
good  ones. 

A  horse  is  said  to  yield  to  the  action  of  the  hand,  when, 
being  in  gentle  contact  with  it,  he  half  opens  the  mouth 
under  the  pressure  of  the  fingers,  moves  for  an  instant  his 
tongue  and  the  bits,  and  immediately  retakes  the  contact. 
The  yielding  should  be  confined  to  the  mouth,  without  pro- 
voking the  least  movement  of  the  head  or  neck.  The  first 
elements  of  this  suppling  may  be  taught  dismounted,  with 
the  horse  at  the  walk;  but,  as  impulsion  in  this  position  and 
gait  is  nil  or  nearly  so,  its  use  in  secondary  equitation  may 
be  dangerous. 

To  obtain  this  demonstration,  the  rider  should  engage 
his  horse  in  a  free  gait.  By  gentle  fixity  of  hand  he  will 
lead  him  to  take  a  confident  bearing  in  the  position,  even 
vicious,  which  is  most  familiar  to  the  horse. 

Having  obtained  this  the  rider  will  have  recourse  to 
the  division  of  supports. 

To  divide  the  supports  is  to  break  the  normal  symmetry 
of  the  bearing  of  the  bits  by  relaxing  one  or  several  reins 
while  the  fingers  are  closed  on  the  others.  The  rider  uses 
successively  the  different  combinations  of  the  reins  by 
actions  more  or  less  close  together;  for  example,  give  and 
take,  play  the  snaffle  from  side  to  side,  alternate  the  snaffle 
and  curb. 

These  different  actions  tend  to  defeat  the  resistances  by 
constantly  changing  their  bearing  point  and  to  reduce  the 
contraction  of  the  muscles  by  their  incessant  movement. 

Following  the  kind  of  resistance  offered  by  the  horse, 
the  half  halt  or  the  vibrations  executed  on  one  or  several 
of  the  reins  of  the  combination  in  play  will  lead  sooner  or 
later  to  the  relaxation  demanded. 

When  by  repetition  the  horse  obeys  without  hesitation 
and  when  all  the  combinations  of  reins  lead  to  this  same 
submission,  the  education  of  the  mouth  is  finished. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       91 

The  advantages  of  the  relaxation  of  the  jaw  have  their 
reflection  in  the  poll  and  neck,  whose  muscles  are  not  slow 
to  relax.  The  neck  retakes  at  first  its  natural  position, 
then,  thanks  to  progressive  gymnastics,  it  arrives  at  the 
ramener  (gather),  which  constitutes  the  indispensable 
attitude  for  the  easy  control  of  the  horse. 

In  practicing  the  supplings  of  the  mouth  it  is  necessary 
to  exercise  severe  control  in  the  preservation  of  impulsion, 
to  avoid  rewarding  by  passing  to  an  inferior  gait  and  on  the 
contrary  to  jdeld  and  caress  in  extending  the  gait.  This 
local  gymnastic  must  be  limited  to  necessity,  and  the  true 
object  of  training,  harmony  of  all  the  forces,  must  not  be 
lost  to  view. 

Two  tracks  and  shoulder-in. — Two  tracks  by  lateral  aids 
is  a  movement  which  finds  application  in  the  use  of  the 
horse  alone  and  in  ranks. 

With  the  horse  marching  to  the  right  hand  the  move- 
ment on  two  tracks  is  obtained  by  the  use  of  the  left  rein 
and  leg,  which  act  by  pushing  the  shoulders  and  haunches 
toward  the  right;  the  horse  is  then  bent  away  from  the  side 
toward  which  he  moves. 

In  this  movement  the  shoulders  and  haunches  follow 
two  parallel  paths,  so  that  in  gaining  ground  to  the  right 
the  members  of  the  left  lateral  biped  cross  in  front  of  those 
of  the  right  lateral  biped,  or  reciprocally  in  gaining  ground 
to  the  left. 

In  training,  two  tracks  is  useful  to  further  the  horse's 
knowledge  of  the  effects  which  a  combination  of  aids  may 
produce;  it  constitutes  in  addition  the  first  degree  of  an 
excellent  suppling  for  the  colt. 

This  movement  should  only  be  demanded  on  an  inside 
track — i.  e.,  away  from  the  wall— or  on  the  diagonals  and 
during  a  relatively  short  time.  Executed  on  the  track,  two 
tracks  has  the  bad  effect  of  teaching  the  horse  to  be  guided 
by  the  wall  and  not  by  the  aids.  Also  it  frequently  hap- 
pens that  the  horse  not  being  able  to  pass  the  outside  leg  in 
front  of  the  inside  leg  through  fear  of  striking  the  wall 
passes  it  behind  the  inside  leg,  which  does  not  give  him  the 
desired  result. 

If  the  displacement  of  the  forehand  be  slightly  accen- 
tuated by  greater  requirements  of  the  hand  and  leg,  the 
horse  passes  from  the  movement  on  two  tracks  to  that  of 
shoulder -in. 


92       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

The  horse  is  said  to  be  on  right  shoulder-in  (inside  the 
arc  of  the  circle  in  which  the  spinal  column  lies)  when  he 
marches  bent  to  the  right;  he  is  said  to  be  on  the  left 
shoulder-in  when  he  marches  bent  to  the  left.  Whatever 
be  the  direction  in  which  one  is  moving  the  horse  may  thus 
be  placed  and  worked  sometimes  with  the  right  shoulder-in, 
sometimes  with  the  left  shoulder-in. 

The  movement  is  executed  by  the  command  "Right 
shoulder-in,"  "Straighten,"  "Left  shoulder-in,"  "Straight- 
en." To  place  horse  in  right  shoulder-in,  for  example,  and 
to  work  him  in  the  most  favorable  attitude,  the  shoulders 
are  moved  off  the  line  of  march  by  the  action  of  the  right 
rein  (opening  effect),  strengthened  by  the  leg  on  the  same 
side;  the  horse  is  in  the  first  step  of  a  turn.  As  soon  as  he 
is  in  this  oblique  and  circular  position,  the  line  of  direction 
previously  followed  is  again  taken  up,  all  the  while  keeping 
the  horse  bent  and  crossing.  The  right  rein  now  becoming 
a  bearing  rein  of  opposition  acts  in  the  direction  of  the  left 
haunch,  has  effect  on  the  horse's  whole  body,  which  it  bends 
and  pushes  forward  and  to  the  left.  The  right  leg  acting 
the  least  bit  in  rear  of  the  girth  aids  in  likewise  moving  the 
haunches  toward  the  left.  The  left  hand  after  having 
yielded  limits  the  bend  of  the  neck,  strengthens  the  action 
of  the  right  rein,  and  also  draws  the  forehand  forward  and 
to  the  left;  the  left  leg  acts  on  the  girth  to  keep  up  the  for- 
ward movement. 

This  lesson  gives  the  horse  entire  suppleness  and  great 
freedom  in  all  parts  of  the  body. 

It  brings  about:  (1)  Freedom  of  the  shoulders,  obedi- 
ence to  the  hand,  and  consequently  lightness  in  the  fore- 
hand. (2)  Suppleness  of  the  haunches,  obedience  to  the 
leg,  also  engagement  of  the  hind  quarters.  (3)  Pliability 
of  the  spinal  column  which  gives  harmony  between  fore- 
hand and  haunches. 

It  leads  to  free  play  of  the  shoulders  because  when  the 
horse  works  vigorously  while  thus  bent  the  right  leg  is 
obliged  to  describe  a  movement  of  rotation  and  to  lift 
itself  in  order  to  pass  in  front  of  the  left. 

It  leads  to  agility  of  the  haunches  because  the  right 
haunch  is,  on  the  contrary,  obliged  to  lower  itself  in  order 
to  allow  the  right  hind  to  pass  in  front  of  the  left  hind  from 
which  comes  the  desired  engagement  of  the  hindquarters. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       93 

It  gives  suppleness  and  pliability  to  the  spinal  column 
in  consequence  of  the  continual  play  of  the  vertebrae  in  all 
directions. 

It  puts  the  horse  up  to  his  bit  because  the  leg  acting  in 
the  same  direction  as  the  hand  obliges  him  to  accept  the 
tension  of  the  rein. 

It  disciplines  the  horse  to  the  leg  because  the  rein, 
acting  in  the  same  direction  as  the  leg,  makes  him  under- 
stand and  accept  its  action. 

Shoulder-in,  therefore,  is  the  very  best  of  all  gymnas- 
tic movements  which  may  be  demanded  of  the  horse.  Its 
execution  is  easy  and  its  results  excellent  and  quick. 

One  must  avoid  executing  this  movement  on  the  track, 
for  the  horse  is  then  attracted  by  the  latter,  he  seeks  to  re- 
enter it,  and  consequently  only  bends  his  neck  instead  of 
freeing  his  shoulders,  and  this  is  opposite  to  the  object 
sought.  Shoulder-in  is  first  demanded  on  the  circle;  little 
by  little  the  horse  is  made  to  understand  it  when  carried 
off  the  circle  for  several  steps— then  pet  and  straighten 
him,  and  commence  again. 

As  soon  as  the  horse  understands  what  is  asked  of  him 
and  the  movement  is  well  executed  at  the  walk,  it  is  re- 
peated at  the  trot. 

For  good  execution  of  the  movement,  it  is  necessary 
that  the  hand  which  retains  the  inside  shoulder  shall  act 
rather  steadily  on  a  short  rein  and  not  operate  by  any 
traction  from  front  to  rear. 

The  horse  should  be  frequently  exercised  in  this  move- 
ment. The  shoulders  must  be  carefully  alternated.  Be- 
tween each  change  one  must  move  on  the  straight  line  for 
several  steps.  The  supplings  must  last  only  a  very  short 
time. 

One  should  profit  by  the  engagement  of  the  hind  legs 
to  push  the  horse  into  a  cadenced,  extended  trot. 

The  cadenced  iroL— The  cadenced  trot  is  a  very  regular 
trotof  great  extension,  produced  by  the  energetic  disten- 
sion of  the  haunches  and  hocks.  It  is  obtained  when,  im- 
pulsion, having  been  accumulated  in  the  hindquarters  by 
the  action  of  the  legs,  the  rider  eases  the  hand,  contenting 
himself  with  giving  the  head  and  neck  the  necessary  sup- 
port to  facilitate  the  extension  of  the  gait. 

At  first  it  is  demanded  only  during  a  few  strides.  As 
the  horse  becomes  more  vigorous,  better  disciplined,  and 


94       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

better  able  to  use  his  strength,  the  time  at  this  trot  may- 
be prolonged  without  requiring  it— in  training  at  least— 
during  more  than  a  hundred  yards.  A  free  extended  walk 
with  loose  rein  should  always  follow  the  cadenced  trot. 

This  gait  alternated  with  shoulder-in  makes  the  horse 
bold  and  light. 

Balance. — In  the  extensions,  collections,  and  changes 
of  gaits  which  have  just  been  discussed,  there  was  always 
an  underlying  obligation  for  the  rider  not  to  inclose  the 
horse  between  the  legs  and  hand.  The  rule  still  exists  that 
by  exact  action  of  hand  and  legs  his  impulsion  must  be 
carefully  preserved  and  he  must  be  submissive.  But  ac- 
cording as  the  training  is  perfected,  these  actions  tend  to 
approach  each  other;  sometimes  they  seem  to  confound 
each  other.  The  horse,  thus  balanced  between  hand  and 
legs,  moves  with  high  strides  in  a  sort  of  equilibrium,  which 
is  nothing  else  than  the  "rassembler"  while  marching. 

The  rassembler  in  marching  has  for  its  object  the 
shortening  of  the  animal's  base  of  support;  the  horse  then 
works  on  short  bases,  which  accentuate  his  mobility  but 
necessarily  reduce  his  speed. 

As  soon  as  it  is  wished  to  return  to  an  extended  gait 
it  is  necessary  to  abandon  the  rassembler  and  allow  the 
impulsion  to  pass,  at  the  same  time  the  neck  stretches  out, 
the  gait  extends,  and  the  horse  works  again  on  a  long  base. 

To  oblige  the  horse  to  work  on  short  or  long  bases 
according  to  circumstances;  to  accustom  him  to  pass  from 
the  most  collected  work  to  the  most  hardy,  outdoor  equi- 
tation; in  a  word,  to  put  the  horse  in  balance,  is  the  object 
of  the  changes  of  gait,  the  increase  and  decrease  of  speed, 
of  which  we  have  just  spoken. 

Observation  on  the  gait. — One  may  draw  from  the  mech- 
anism of  the  walk,  trot,  and  gallop,  some  observations 
which  are  very  useful  in  training. 

The  rider  must  know  how  to  take  a  certain  gait,  to 
maintain,  or  to  change  that  gait.  In  the  walk  and  trot,  the 
lateral  bipeds  move  in  parallel  planes;  in  the  gallop,  on 
the  contrary,  the  horse  tends  to  travel  with  one  haunch 
slightly  to  the  side.  This  remark  is  necessary,  and  it 
suffices  to  show  the  rider  that  in  the  walk  and  trot  the 
horse  should  be  held  absolutely  straight,  while  in  the  gallop 
he  should  yield  to  one  haunch  very  slightly. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       95 

With  a  young  horse,  theretorc,  each  time  that  the  rider 
wishes  to  take  the  gallop  he  should  give  him  this  natural 
position.  On  the  other  hand,  each  time  that  he  wishes  to 
pass  from  the  gallop  to  the  trot  or  walk  he  has  only  to 
straighten  his  horse. 

Another  obligation  for  the  rider  consists  in  obtaining 
the  gaits  which  allow  the  horse  to  cover  the  most  ground 
without  fatigue.  For  the  horse  to  expend  the  least  energy 
all  impulsion  must  act  in  the  direction  of  the  movement. 

But  the  horse  may  travel  high;  he  may  travel  low;  or 
high  and  low  at  the  same  time. 

The  horse  travels  high  when,  suppled,  trained,  and 
correctly  ridden,  he  is  able  to  assume  the  rassembler  in 
marching.  Then  the  muscles  of  the  high,  flexed  neck  will 
lift  the  forelegs  in  their  contraction;  while  the  hind  legs 
engaged  under  the  mass  will  also  have  an  action  from 
below  upward. 

Thus  placed,  he  can  give  only  very  limited  speed,  since 
he  loses  in  extension  what  he  gains  in  height,  and  since 
his  joints  are  constantly  flexed,  but  this  position  is  very 
favorable  to  immediate  changes  of  balance,  and  therefore 
of  direction  and  gait.  This  finds  frequent  employment  in 
secondary  equitation  since  both  in  maneuvering  and  indi- 
vidual combat  the  horse  should  be  able  to  work  on  short 
bases. 

The  horse  may  travel  high  in  front  and  low  behind 
when,  ridden  by  an  inexperienced  rider  he  holds  his  head 
high  through  fear  or  force.  As  in  the  preceding  case,  the 
muscles  of  the  neck,  by  their  contraction,  lift  the  forelegs; 
but  the  hind  legs,  placed  far  away  from  the  front  legs,  can 
not  engage.  Their  motions  will  be  jerky,  the  spinal  column 
will  have  no  play.  The  horse  will  move  with  considerable 
expenditure  of  energy,  and  a  hindrance  in  the  loin  and 
hind  legs  shown  by  disorders  of  all  sorts. 

Finallj^,  the  horse  will  travel  low  when  he  moves  with 
his  neck  stretched  out  and  extended,  its  direction  ap- 
proaching the  horizontal.  The  hind  legs,  under  the  action 
of  the  rider's  legs,  may  easily  engage  under  the  mass, 
because  the  position  of  the  neck  will  allow  the  spinal 
column  to  bend  from  above  downward  and  then  extend  in 
the  direction  of  the  movement.  The  muscles  of  the  neck 
in  contracting  draw  the  forelegs  forward  and  not  upward. 
This  position  will  therefore  favor  speed,  and  all  the  horse's 


96        Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

efforts  will  tend  to  produce  the  movement  with  the  mini- 
mum of  fatigue.  No  strength  will  be  lost.  It  is  this  position 
which  the  rider  should  seek  to  impose  on  the  horse  when- 
ever he  can  work  on  long  bases. 

Considered  from  the  point  of  view  of  training,  the 
gaits,  some  of  whose  points  were  discussed  in  breaking, 
offer  still  further  resources. 

A  free  walk,  extended  without  exaggeration,  is  restful. 
It  is  the  best  reward  which  the  rider  may  give  the  horse  to 
show  his  satisfaction  of  a  well- executed  movement.  It 
should  be  frequently  used. 

Further,  at  this  gait  the  seat  being  steady,  the  rider  is 
in  possession  of  all  his  means,  and  should  profit  thereby  to 
correct  bad  positions  of  the  horse  and  to  teach  him  the 
positions  which  should  precede  each  new  movement.  The 
horse,  being  himself  as  much  more  disposed  to  obey  as  the 
aids  are  more  distinct,  and  as  much  more  master  of  his 
balance  as  the  gait  is  less  rapid,  finds  himself  best  disposed 
to  receive  the  lesson. 

Every  new  movement,  every  new  position,  should 
therefore  be  taught  at  the  walk  before  proceeding  to  the 
rapid  gaits. 

But  at  the  walk,  for  the  very  reason  of  its  slowness, 
the  gymnastic  effects  on  his  joints  and  muscles  are  little 
marked  in  lateral  movements.  Likewise  at  the  gallop,  if 
the  extensions  and  collections  of  the  gait  on  the  straight 
line  form  an  excellent  exercise  for  the  spinal  column,  on 
the  other  hand,  work  on  two  tracks  has  no  useful  effect, 
since  in  this  movement  he  moves  by  a  series  of  bounds 
parallel  to  himself  without  crossing  his  legs,  consequently 
without  great  effort. 

On  the  contrary,  in  the  trot,  by  reason  of  the  mechan- 
ism of  the  gait,  the  movement  on  two  tracks  forms  a  sup- 
pling as  much  more  complete  as  the  impulsion  is  greater 
and  the  gait  more  cadenced. 

In  order  that  the  left  members,  for  example,  shall  open 
widely  toward  the  left  and  the  right  members  shall  pass 
in  front  of  them,  the  horse  must  move  with  long  strides, 
the  speed  must  be  maintained;  without  it  there  would  be 
no  deep  work  of  the  muscles,  no  extended  play  of  the 
joints— in  a  word,  neither  suppling  nor  impulsion. 

The  gallop  departs. — The  importance  of  the  gallop  re- 
quires that  the  rider  be  familiar   with   the  least  details  of 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training       97 

this  gait,  for  the  manner  in  which  the  horses  take  it,  keep 
it,  modify,  or  leave  it  has  great  influence  on  their  value. 

Besides,  the  study  of  one  complex  movement,  which 
necessitates  all  the  rider's  skill  and  absolute  obedience  on 
the  part  of  the  horse,  gives  occasion  to  apply  in  one  con- 
crete case  the  principles  set  forth  in  training,  and  to  show 
in  detail  the  role  and  value  of  the  aids.  To  completely 
analyze  the  gallop  departs  is  to  sum  up  all  of  training  and 
set  forth  in  the  study  of  one  movement  how  all  others  are 
obtained. 

The  horse  at  liberty  takes  the  gallop  in  several  different 
waj^s.  As  a  general  rule,  he  breaks  into  the  gallop  accord- 
ing to  the  circumstances  which  have  provoked  it;  some- 
times by  a  sort  of  loss  of  balance  in  throwing  his  weight 
forward,  sometimes  by  taking  on  the  hind  quarters  the 
weight  of  the  fore  hand,  engaging  his  hocks  under  the 
mass,  balancing  himself,  as  it  were. 

Mounted,  he  acts  in  the  same  way  when  a  cause  foreign 
to  the  rider's  will  leads  him  to  take  the  gallop  (cluck  of 
the  tongue,  crack  of  the  whip,  fear,  etc.). 

When  the  rider  wishes  to  impose  the  gallop  by  author- 
ity of  the  aids  he  must  consider  in  the  choice  of  means  the 
effects  which  the  hand  and  legs  may  have,  since,  according 
to  the  degree  of  his  training  the  horse  can  only  understand 
a  part  of  the  effects  of  the  aids. 

To  make  the  horse  understand  that  the  sensation  that 
he  perceives  commands  the  gait  of  the  gallop,  he  must  be 
placed  in  a  situation  which,  in  taking  away  from  him  all 
hesitation,  only  leaves  one  movement  to  execute— the  one 
demanded. 

Whether  the  horse  takes  the  gallop  by  losing  his  bal- 
ance or  by  balancing  himself,  position  should  always  pre- 
cede action. 

It  is  the  very  mechanism  of  the  gallop  which  indicates 
the  position  which  the  horse  should  be  made  to  take.  The 
gallop  is  characterized  by  one  lateral  biped  being  more  ad- 
vanced than  the  other;  thus  in  the  right  gallop  the  two 
right  legs  are  more  advanced  than  the  two  left  legs,  and 
inversely. 

(a)  With  young  horses,  ignorant  or  imperfectly  disci- 
plined to  the  aids,  and  who,  meanwhile,  must  be  galloped 
for  their  development,  and  to  advance  their  conditioning, 
the  object  should  be  to  start  the   horse  on  some  circular 


98       Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

movement  (circle,  passing  a  corner,  movement  by  the 
flank)  where  the  interior  lateral  biped,  having  less  ground 
to  cover  than  the  exterior  biped,  may  be  easily  advanced 
more  than  the  latter.  By  pushing  vigorously  with  both 
legs,  when  the  horse  is  thus  placed,  the  gallop  will  be  taken 
naturally,  especially  if  the  rider  carries  his  body  forward 
and  slightly  to  the  right  for  the  right  gallop.  The  horse, 
being  in  a  way  surprised  and  thrown  forward  by  the  leg 
action,  falls  into  the  right  gallop. 

The  reins  not  having  to  act  on  the  horse's  balance,  this 
way  of  doing  has  the  advantage  of  leaving  his  head  free 
and  of  putting  him  in  the  gallop  without  fail,  while  leaving 
him.  calm  and  impulsive. 

The  rider  has  profited  by  the  favorable  position  taken 
hy  the  home  himself,  to  determine  the  gallop.  By  the  aid  of 
this  method  the  horse  is  familiarized  with  this  gait,  com- 
bined with  the  rider's  weight;  by  practice,  the  departs  be- 
come easier,  and  the  horse  goes  into  the  gallop  willingly. 

Such  is  the  first  degree  of  the  lesson  in  the  gallop. 

This  method  is  sufficient  to  give  the  colt  the  necessary 
work;  it  is  also  the  only  one  which  may  be  employed  at 
this  moment,  since  he  is  ignorant  of  even  the  elementary 
actions  of  the  aids. 

(6)  The  gallop  is  not  always  taken  up  on  curves;  one 
must  be  able  to  take  that  gait  without  changing  direction, 
that  is,  on  the  straight  lines.  The  work  which  leads  to 
this  result  constitutes  the  second  degree  of  the  gallop  de- 
part. Here,  it  is  nfjccssary  that  the  rider  may,  if  he  wishes, 
place  the  horse  in  the  position  which  commands  the  gal- 
lop. 

The  horse  should  then  have  undergone  a  certain 
amount  of  training  and  should  know  the  elementary 
actions  of  the  aids. 

To  take  the  right  gallop,  for  instance,  one  must  retard 
the  left  lateral  or  advance  the  right  lateral.  To  obtain 
that  result  one  may  cramp  the  play  of  the  left  shoulder,  at 
the  same  time  liberating  th(!  right,  one  may  \>uh\\  the  left 
haunch  toward  th(;  right,  or  one  may  bring  the  right 
liaunch  forward  of  the  loft. 

Any  actions  of  the  rein  or  legs  whicrh  will  bring  those 
results  will  be  good,  though  in  different  degrees,  and  they 
will  prepare  the  horse,  a(!eording  to  the  degree  of  his 
training,  to  take  the  desired  lead. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Trainincj       99 

1.  To  retard  the  left  shoulder,  resist  with  the  left  rein, 
either  by  a  light  direct  effect  of  opposition  or  by  a  bearing 
effect  of  opposition  calculated  according  to  the  resistance 
met. 

2.  In  joining  to  one  of  these  actions  of  the  rein,  that 
of  the  left  leg,  one  obtains  a  more  or  less-  marked  devia- 
tion of  the  left  haunch  towards  the  right.  This  places  it  in 
the  rear  of  the  right  haunch,  in  the  position  of  the  gallop 
right. 

3.  To  obtain  the  gallop  depart  by  advancing  the  right 
haunch  act  with  the  right  leg  at  the  girths;  this  will  engage 
the  right  hind  leg  under  the  mass  (superior  equitation). 

These  several  actions  may  be  combined  to  obtain  a 
more  prompt  and  exact  effect.  The  position  once  obtained, 
it  is  only  necessary  to  give  the  impulsion  corresponding 
to  the  speed  of  the  gallop  by  an  equal  pressure  of  the  legs. 

Taking  the  right  lead  by  the  resistance  of  the  left  rein 
is  a  simple,  irresistible  method;  it  is  the  one  which  should 
be  emploj^ed  in  the  first  periods  of  training,  and,  as  a  gen- 
eral rule,  every  time  that  there  is  difficulty  in  starting  with 
the  proper  lead. 

Taking  the  right  lead  by  the  predominating  action  of 
the  left  leg  has  the  disadvantage  of  traversing  the  horse, 
and  if  the  horse  takes  the  gallop  under  a  too  energetic 
action  of  the  inside  leg  he  may  depart  false. 

The  right  lead,  taken  by  the  predominating  action  of 
the  right  leg  at  the  girths,  is  certainly  the  most  correct, 
since  the  horse  takes  the  gait  without  traversing;  but  this 
action  of  the  leg  is  rather  an  effect  of  education  than  a 
natural  effect.  This  silent,  sweeping  manner  of  taking  the 
gallop  can  therefore  be  only  employed  at  the  end  of  training 
by  experienced  riders  having  precision  and  tact,  and  with 
calm,  obedient,  and  quite  sensitive  horses. 

A  distinction  must  be  made  between  conditioning  at 
the  gallop,  in  breaking,  and  the  gymnastics  of  the  gallop  de- 
parts, in  training.  Contrary  to  what  was  prescribed  in 
breaking,  it  is  here  necessary  to  multiplj'^  these  departs  on 
each  foot  to  thoroughly  accustom  the  horse  to  them.  The 
instructor  must  appreciate  what  he  can  and  should  require. 
The  only  fixed  rule  is  never  to  demand  anything  from  the 
horse  until  he  has  become  calm  and  never  to  let  a  badly 
executed  movement  pass  uncorrected. 


100      Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

Only  the  determining  aids  have  been  spoken  of;  they 
do  not  exclude  the  others.  In  regulating  or  strengthening 
the  demand  addressed  to  the  horses  the  latter  contribute 
powerfully  to  the  execution  of  the  movement. 

Summing  up,  the  progression  followed  has  consisted  in 
going  from  the  known  to  the  unknown,  that  is :  Only  using, 
to  teach  the  departs,  the  aids  which  the  horse  was  able  to 
understand,  according  to  the  degree  of  his  training;  ob- 
serving and  using,  at  least  in  the  beginning,  the  positions 
of  the  horse  at  liberty,  only  modifying  them  little  by  little; 
but  with  the  constant  thought  of  substituting  the  straight 
for  the  traversed  position  and  the  exact  balanced,  instan- 
taneous depart  for  the  uncertain,  disordered  depart. 

To  pass  from  the  gallop  to  the  trot  or  the  gallop  to  the 
walk,  the  horse  is  replaced  in  an  absolutely  straight  posi- 
tion. Thus  placed,  the  horse  modifies  the  combination  of 
legs  and  falls  back  into  the  trot  or  walk. 

As  soon  as  the  gallop  is  broken  one  should  act  with 
more  or  less  firmness  on  the  reins,  according  to  the  gait 
which  it  is  desired  to  adopt  and  the  quickness  with  which 
one  wishes  to  take  it.  The  legs  must  be  relaxed.  Never- 
theless, they  remain  in  contact,  ready  to  intervene  to  keep 
up  the  forward  movement  when  the  horse  is  installed  in 
his  new  gait. 

Conditioning. — Conditioning  of  troop  horses  is  only  dis- 
tantly related  to  the  training  of  race  horses.  If  the  appli- 
cation of  the  rules  of  hygiene  and  the  respect  of  the  physi- 
cal laws  are  absolutely  the  same,  if  the  progression  in  the 
work  is  drawn  from  the  same  principles,  it  is  not  a  question 
here  of  preparing  the  horse  to  withstand  trials  of  speed  on 
fixed  days,  but  of  permitting  him,  by  the  rational  develop- 
ment of  all  his  organs,  to  acquire  and  to  keep  during  his 
whole  military  life  the  endurance,  hardiness,  and  agility 
on  varied  ground,  which  are  indispensable  to  the  horse  for 
war. 

Therefore,  one  cannot  fix  absolute  rules  for  the  con- 
ditioning of  the  young  horse.  His  state,  appetite,  the  pre- 
servation of  his  legs,  his  general  appearance  are  the  only 
regulators  and  guides  in  an  art  which  brings  out  all  the 
qualities  which  distinguish  the  true  horseman. 

The  conditioning  of  the  6-year-old  horse  moves  hand 
in  hand  with  his  suppling,  of  which  the  various  exercises 
have  been  studied. 


Manual  of  Eqititation  and  Horse  Training      101 

Logical  work  demands  sessions  whose  duration  varies 
between  one  and  one-half  hours  at  a  minimum  and  three 
hours  at  a  maximum.  All  the  prescriptions  enumerated  in 
breaking  concerning  the  general  state  of  the  horse,  the 
importance  of  proper  feeding,  development  of  muscles  and 
lungs,  the  care  of  the  legs  and  feet,  should  be  observed  as 
much  more  carefully  as  the  work  is  more  intense  at  6  than 
at  5  years. 

The  object  of  the  instructor  is  to  bring  all  the  young 
horses  into  shape  to  execute  easily,  towards  the  month  of 
August,  a  march  of  20  to  25  miles  in  four  hours. 

The  training  at  the  gallop  is  likewise  regulated  so  that 
towards  the  same  period  the  horses  may  withstand  a  ma- 
neuver gallop  of  3,000  to  4,000  yards  over  good  ground. 

Scrupulous  regularity  of  gaits  is  the  base  of  condition- 
ing. 

The  instructor  assures  the  success  of  this  work  by  em- 
ploying a  reasonable  scale  of  time  at  the  trot  and  gallop, 
combined  with  the  walk  and  rest. 

This  work  should  continue  through  the  whole  year, 
each  week  bringing  a  slightly  superior  effort  and  therefore 
development  of  the  organs.  The  long  ascent,  however, 
should  be  broken  by  resting  places,  where  the  horse  may 
take  hold  of  himself,  renew  his  strength,  energy,  and 
gaiety,  and  prepare  himself  to  respond  to  the  new  efforts 
which  will  be  imposed  on  him.  It  is  even  good,  at  times, 
if  not  for  all  the  horses,  at  least  for  the  least  courageous 
and  for  those  having  weak  legs,  to  diminish  or  even  stop 
the  work,  substituting  for  it  mere  walks  in  hand. 

A  horse,  in  good  working  condition,  presents  a  general 
aspect  of  health,  wide-awake  eye,  brilliant  coat,  supple 
skin,  muscles  standing  out;  his  flank  is  well  let  down,  and 
his  easy,  calm  gaits  show  strength. 

Jumping. — The  horse  being  moujited.  Skill  on  varied 
ground  and  boldness  over  obstacles  should  likewise  be  the 
objects  of  a  regular  exercise. 

Work  on  the  longe,  in  the  riding  hall  or  out  of  doors, 
is  of  too  great  aid  in  training  for  obstacles  to  be  neglected. 
Horses  must  frequently  be  given  this  work. 

Practice  in  out-of-door  riding  permits  us  to  group  the 
difficulties  which  the  horse  presents  in  jumping  into  a 
small  number  of  defenses,  which  it  suffices  to  recognize 
in  order  to  promptly  correct  them. 


102      Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

It  is  a  fact  of  experience  that  usually  a  horse  limits  his 
resistances  to  one  or  two  defenses  which  he  always  pre- 
sents. 

When  a  horse  refuses  to  jump  the  first  thing  for  the 
rider  who  is  called  on  to  overcome  the  resistance,  and  also 
for  the  instructor,  who,  if  need  be,  must  indicate  the 
remedy,  is  to  take  into  consideration  the  character  of  the 
defense. 

If  the  horse  has  shown  sufficient  strength  on  the  longe, 
and  if  his  jumping  lessons  thereon  have  been  well  con- 
ducted, the  only  explanation  of  his  refusal  to  jump,  mount- 
ed, lies  in  his  rebellion  against  the  aids,  or  in  a  lack  of  tact 
on  the  rider's  part. 

In  the  first  case  it  is  wise  not  to  insist,  and  to  perfect 
his  training  before  recommencing  to  jump. 

If  it  is  through  the  man's  awkwardness  to  obtain  im- 
mediate obedience,  it  is  usually  sufficient  to  indicate  to  him 
the  fault  committed. 

The  different  defenses  in  jumping  generally  enter  one 
of  the  following  groups: 

The  horse  stops  short. 

The  horse  runs  out  at  a  distance  from  the  obstacle. 

The  horse  runs  out  close  to  the  obstacle. 

(a)  If  the  horse  stops  short  it  is  through  lack  of  im- 
pulsion or  fear  of  the  rider's  hand. 

When  there  is  lack  of  impulsion  one  must  leave  the 
obstacle,  regive  the  lesson  of  the  legs,  or  that  of  the  spur 
if  necessary;  then  when  the  horse  is  felt  to  be  anxious  to 
go  forward,  bring  him  back  calmly  and  very  straight,  push- 
ing him  only  in  the  last  strides;  dismount  as  soon  as  he 
has  obeyed  and  pet  him. 

If  the  horse  refuses  through  fear  of  the  hand,  after 
having  modified  the  bitting,  if  necessary,  one  must  lower 
the  bar,  or  out  of  doors  choose  very  small  obstacles;  make 
the  rider  pass  over  them  at  the  walk  or  slow  trot,  reins 
long,  leaving  absolute  liberty  to  the  neck  and  aiding  him- 
self, if  necessary,  by  holding  the  pommel;  jumping  in 
this  manner  until  the  horse  regains  confidence  and  in  jump- 
ing stretches  his  head  and  neck. 

(5)  The  horse  which  runs  out  at  a  distance  from  the 
obstacle  throws  himself  brutally  on  the  rider's  hand;  he 
places  his  head  and   neck   in  a  position  which  enables  him 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training      103 

to  avoid  the  autliority  of  tlie  bridle,  and  escapes  in  any 
direction  he  can. 

The  rider,  in  this  case,  must  decompose  the  trouble. 
Stop  his  horse,  calm  him,  replace  the  head  and  neck  nor- 
mally, and  bring  him  back,  holding  him  closely  and  until  the 
last  moment  between  his  active  legs  and  stretched  reins. 

(c)  The  horse  runs  out  close  to  the  obstacle.  Two 
cases  may  come  up:  Where  the  horse  runs  out  with  one 
shoulder  forward;  where  he  runs  out  with  the  haunches 
preceding  the  shoulders. 

In  the  first  place  the  shoulder  which  is  in  front  must 
be  restrained  either  by  an  action  of  the  opening  rein,  if  the 
horse  shows  a  mere  attempt  to  swerve,  or  by  an  energetic 
intervention  of  the  bearing  rein  if  he  roughly  forces  his 
shoulders  out  of  the  straight  line;  one  must  push  him  vig- 
orously at  the  same  time  with  both  legs. 

In  the  second  case,  if  he  escapes  by  the  haunches  lead- 
ing, to  the  left  for  example,  it  is  by  lateral  aids  in  placing 
him  in  the  left  shoulder-in  (left  bearing  rein  of  opposition, 
left  leg),  that  the  haunches  may  be  held  in  the  proper 
direction.  The  horse's  head  is  drawn,  it  is  true,  in  the 
direction  in  which  he  wished  to  escape;  but  under  the  ac- 
tion of  the  left  rein  and  leg,  the  whole  mass — and  it  is  that 
which  counts — is  thrown  toward  the  right.  He  is  straight- 
ened at  the  last  moment,  and  the  impulsion  provoked  by 
the  rein  of  the  shoulder-in,  joined  to  the  energetic  action 
of  the  legs,  sends  the  horse  boldly  to  the  jump. 

All  the  defenses  which  have  just  been  analyzed  are 
preceded,  at  some  point  or  other,  by  a  quick  abandonment 
on  the  part  of  the  horse  of  the  rider's  hand.  He  profits  by 
this  moment  of  liberty  to  assume  the  attitude  in  which  he 
desires  to  resist.  The  rider,  in  approaching  the  obstacle, 
should  carefully  guard  the  impulsion  with  his  seat  and 
legs,  and  keep  his  reins  stretched  in  order  not  to  lose  con- 
tact with  the  mouth.  That  is  called  "Riding  close  to  his 
horse". 


PART  III 


Application  of  the  Principles  of  Equitation 

and  Horse  Training  to  the  Management 

of  the  Horse 


105 


Ghiipler  I.--USE  OF  THE  HORSE 


Following  training,  the  horse  has  become  bold  and 
quiet.  His  suppleness  and  physical  strength  have  been 
developed  and  his  resistance  overcome  by  the  special  gym- 
nastics of  training;  the  horse  has  felt  the  aids  and  acknowl- 
edges their  authority.  There  remains  the  application  of 
the  acquired  results  to  the  daily  work.  The  rules  set  forth 
hereafter  serve  as  a  basis  for  perfecting  the  riding  instruc- 
tion of  the  troopers. 

Keeping  the  horse  straight. — It  is  important  that  the 
horse  travel  straight,  first,  because  of  the  position  in  ranks 
which  he  must  occupy,  and,  second,  because  this  position 
aids  in  imposing  the  gait  demanded  and  regulating  the 
speed. 

The  horse  moves  straight  when  the  left  shoulder  and 
and  haunch  and  the  right  shoulder  and  haunch  march  or 
are  placed  on  parallel  lines.  In  equitation  it  is  convenient 
to  say  the  horse  is  straight  in  following  a  curved  line  when 
his  haunches  and  shoulders  are  placed  so  as  to  follow  con- 
centric curves. 

When  the  horse  is  straight,  the  two  hind  feet  follow 
exactly  the  line  traced  by  the  two  fore  feet;  the  haunches 
and  shoulders  are  then  in  positions  which  assure  their 
straight  forward  and  backward  play.  When  the  two 
haunches  move  equally,  the  impulsion  is  equally  divided 
and  the  translations  of  weight  are  regular  and  easy.  The 
forces  which  emanate  from  the  two  ends  of  the  horse  find 
no  contradiction  in  their  combined  play,  and  all  work 
toward  a  common  end,  the  direct  march,  for  which  the 
horse  is  perfectly  adjusted. 

If  instead  of  moving  straight  the  horse  is  traversed,  all 
the  harmonious  agreement  between  the  forces  of  the  fore 
hand  and  those  of  the  hind  quarters  are  seen  to  disappear, 
as  well  as  the  equitable  division  of  weight  and  the  ease  of 
changing  direction;  further,  the  haunches  oppose  the 
shoulders  and  afford  a  point  of  support  for  resistance. 

It  is  most  important  before  undertaking  anything  else 
to  place  and  keep  the  horse  straight. 

107 


108      Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

The  action  of  the  reins  and  legs,  studied  before,  permit 
the  horse  to  be  straightened.  In  referring  to  the  table  of 
effects  produced,  in  particular  those  of  opposition,  and 
in  utilizing  the  aid  which  the  legs  carry  to  the  hand,  the 
rider  will  find  all  necessary  means  to  straighten  the  shoul- 
ders and  put  the  haunches  into  line,  to  maintain  and  if 
necessary  to  force  the  horse  into  his  proper  direction. 
But  to  obtain  the  result  which  a  proper  application  of  the 
aids  should  give,  the  energy  of  impulsion  must  be  main- 
tained. True,  easy  gaits  depend  entirely  on  the  activity  of 
the  haunches  and  the  horse  being  straight. 

To  change  the  gait  and  in  a  given  gait  to  change  speed. — 
The  change  from  one  gait  to  another  rests  on  two  princi- 
ples: First,  when  the  legs  close  to  carry  the  horse  forward, 
the  hand  should  not  oppose  the  movement;  second,  when 
the  hand  acts  to  moderate  or  extinguish  the  impulsion  the 
legs  should  have  no  effect. 

In  consequence,  in  passing  from  the  halt  to  the  walk, 
extending  the  walk,  passing  from  the  walk  to  the  trot,  and 
extending  the  trot,  the  rider  should  close  his  legs  with 
more  or  less  force,  according  to  the  result  sought  and  the 
sensitiveness  of  the  horse.  At  the  same  time  he  lowers  his 
hand  and  open  his  fingers,  if  necessary,  for  the  movement. 
The  hands  meanwhile  should  be  ready  to  resist  and  even, 
if  necessary,  to  act,  so  as  to  regulate  the  gait  when  the 
effect  produced  by  the  legs  is  superior  to  that  wished  for. 

To  extend  the  walk,  the  rider,  without  ever  losing 
contact  with  the  mouth,  allows  the  horse  great  liberty  in 
extending  his  neck.  In  this  position  the  horse  is  more 
solid  on  his  legs,  sees  his  ground  better,  and  is  in  a  situa- 
tion which  favors  movement  without  fatigue.  To  extend 
the  trot,  one  must  push  the  horse  forward  and  keep  him 
true  by  not  letting  one  shoulder  be  more  advanced  than 
the  other.  The  rider  may  find  it  convenient  to  hold  the 
the  reins  separated  in  the  two  hands,  so  as  to  more  easily 
utilize  the  effects  of  opposition. 

The  horse  which  pushed  at  the  trot  takes  the  gallop 
without  its  being  demanded  is  a  horse  behind  the  bit;  it  is 
necessary  to  rein  him  in,  close  the  legs  to  engender  impul- 
sion, let  the  neck  stretch  out,  and  lead  him  to  take  on  the 
bit  a  bearing  which  will  favor  speed. 

Inversely,  to  slow  the  gallop,  the  trot,  and  the  walk,  to 
pass  from  the  gallop  to  the  trot,  from  the  trot  to  the  walk, 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training      109 

from  the  walk  to  the  halt,  and  to  back,  the  rider  fixes  the 
hands,  straightening  up  and  carrying  back  the  top  of  the 
body,  the  fingers  closed  on  the  adjusted  reins.  The  legs 
should  be  ready  to  resist  and  even  to  act  if  necessary— that 
is,  if  the  effect  produced  by  the  tension  on  the  reins  is  sup- 
erior to  that  which  the  rider  wished  to  obtain.  Therefore, 
they  have  only  occasion  to  intervene  when  the  horse  has 
commenced  to  yield  to  the  action  of  the  reins. 

To  maintain  a  given  gait  and  a  given  speed. — With  well- 
balanced  horses,  which  while  moving  forward  freely 
remain  submissive  to  the  aids  and  respectful  of  the  rider's 
hand,  a  slight  tension  on  the  reins  is  suficient  to  maintain 
the  gait  and  speed  which  are  chosen.  To  keep  the  horse 
light  and  to  oblige  him  to  yield  the  jaw  and  clamp  the  bit, 
one  must  act  by  the  play  of  the  fingers  or  by  the  division 
of  supports  while  keeping  up  the  impulsion. 

But  it  frequently  happens  that,  whether  from  pulHng 
or  holding  back,  the  horse  does  not  maintain  regular  gaits. 

The  horse  may  pull  for  many  reasons:  nervousness, 
pain,  lack  of  balance,  contradiction,  etc.  These  several 
causes  are  manifested  to  the  rider's  hand  in  two  ways. 
The  latter  may  feel  on  his  hand  an  inert  mass,  heavy  to 
carry  and  difficult  to  displace  (the  horse  goes  on  his  shoul- 
ders) ;  this  is  called  weight  resistance.  It  may  be  com- 
bated by  the  half  halt,  which  obliges  the  horse  to  raise  and 
sustain  himself.  Or  the  rider  may  feel  in  his  fingers  forces 
coming  from  muscular  contractions  of  the  jaw,  and  which 
the  horse  instinctively  or  voluntary  directs  against  the  bit. 
These  are  combated  by  flexions  or  vibrations. 

Horses  may  not  keep  up  the  gait  desired,  through  lazi- 
ness, lack  of  strength,  fear  of  the  hand,  or  ignorance  of 
the  positions  favorable  to  the  movement. 

If  it  is  through  laziness,  attack  vigorously  with  the 
legs  or,  if  necessary,  with  the  spurs  to  reestablish  a  pro- 
found respect  for  the  legs. 

If  it  is  through  lack  of  strength,  conditioning,  age,  and 
nourishment,  combined  with  the  action  of  the  aids,  little 
by  little  will  increase  the  horse's  vigor. 

If  the  horse  is  afraid  of  the  bit,  he  shows  his  fear  by 
raising  his  head  and  refusing  the  hand.  He  thus  crushes 
the  hindquarters  and,  instead  of  engaging,  jigs  without 
gaining  ground.  In  this  case  it  is  necessary  to  modify  the 
bitting,  give  him  confidence  in  the  hand  by  light  play  of 


110      Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

the  fingers,  and  cause  the  extensions  of  the  neck  which 
lead  to  power  in  the  extension  of  the  loin  and  later  in  the 
action  of  the  propellers. 

Summing  up,  with  a  trained  horse,  a  steady  gait  is  kept 
by  light  hand  and  the  play  of  the  fingers,  never  allowing 
the  horse  to  pull. 

With  a  horse  who  fights  the  bit  one  must  have  a  light 
hand  which  always  maintains  the  same  passive  tension  on 
the  reins,  or  use  the  vibrations. 

With  a  horse  who  goes  on  his  shoulders,  the  hand  must 
be  firm  and  half  halts  must  be  used.  In  each  case  the  legs 
should  be  fixed,  but  passive. 

Finally,  with  horses  behind  the  bit,  one  must  seek  the 
cause  and  act  accordingly,  whether  by  energetic  action  of 
the  aids  or  by  hygiene  and  work. 

Change  of  directions. — A  turn  is  only  the  consequence 
of  a  new  objective  which  the  rider  proposes  to  reach.  The 
choice  of  a  point  of  direction  should,  therefore,  precede 
the  turn. 

In  practice  there  are  three  ways  of  turning;  a  wide 
turn,  a  short  turn,  a  turn  in  place. 

A  wide  turn  is  executed  in  advancing  on  the  arc  of  a 
quite  large  circle;  the  rider  has  therefore  room  and  time. 
It  is  obtained  by  either  the  opening  rein  or  bearing  rein. 

The  opening  rein  shows  the  horse  the  new  direction; 
the  two  legs  push  him  in  this  direction ;  this  is  the  most 
elementary  of  the  turns  in  advancing.  It  is  also  that  which 
colts  best  understand;  it  must  therefore  be  used  not  only 
at  the  beginning  of  breaking,  but  also  every  time  that  the 
horse  resists  the  other  effects  of  the  reins  (running  out, 
swerving  around,  etc.). 

For  this  turn  to  have  its  full  effect  it  is  of  the  utmost 
importance  not  to  annihilate  the  action  of  the  determining 
rein  by  a  premature  action  of  the  regulating  rein ;  at  the 
begining  of  the  movement,  therefore,  the  opposite  rein 
must  be  greatly  ceded. 

The  turn  by  the  bearing  rein  and  the  two  legs  is  also  a 
turn  in  advancing.  The  weight  of  the  neck  leads  the  horse 
in  the  new  direction  toward  which  both  legs  push  him;  it 
is  the  turn  most  employed  in  riding  out  of  doors.  It  is 
also  the  only  one  which  the  rider  having  his  reins  in  one 
hand  may  use. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Trainini;      111 

As  in  the  preceding  turn,  it  is  necessary,  in  order  to 
leave  the  determining  rein  all  its  effect  and  power  of  action, 
that  the  regulating  rein  be  relaxed  at  the  start  so  as  not  to 
interfere  with  the  position  which  the  horse's  muzzle  should 
take,  by  the  solicitation  of  the  bearing  rein.  Riding  with 
one  hand,  however,  the  inside  rein  is  automatically  relaxed. 

The  short  turn  which  is  used  when  the  rider  wishes  to 
make  a  quick  change  of  direction  or  lacks  space  may  be 
obtained  by  lateral  or  diagonal  effects. 

The  lateral  effect  (right  direct  rein  of  opposition  and 
right  leg)  draws  the  shoulders  to  the  right  and  throws  the 
haunches  more  or  less  quickly  to  the  left;  the  horse  faces 
to  the  right,  slowing.  This  turn  is  of  current  use  in  train- 
ing. It  gives  a  first  suppling,  short  but  energetic,  to  the 
spinal  column,  shoulders  and  haunches.  It  is  also  this 
movement  which  permits  the  horse  to  be  given  the  first 
lesson  of  one  leg,  and  it  makes  him  accept  this  aid. 

The  short  turn  by  the  diagonal  effect  (left  bearing  rein 
of  opposition  and  right  leg  to  turn  to  the  right)  is  the  most 
collected,  most  prompt,  and  at  the  same  time  the  shortest 
of  the  turns. 

The  left  rein  pushes  the  shoulders  to  the  right,  the 
right  leg  pushes  the  haunches  to  the  left;  the  horse  faces 
to  the  right  without  slowing. 

So,  of  the  two  wide  turns,  the  first  is  the  most  elemen- 
tary; the  second  the  most  used  in  out-door  riding;  of  the 
two  short  turns,  the  first  is  excellent  for  forcing  obedience 
to  the  leg;  the  second  is  most  rapid  and  regular. 

The  different  changes  of  direction  which  may  be  de- 
manded are:  Obliques  (change  of  hand),  the  broken  lines, 
movements  by  the  flank,  the  half  turn,  the  circle,  the 
demivolte  (the  half  turn  and  change  of  hand),  the  demi- 
volte reversed  (change  of  hand  and  half  turn). 

Individual  combats  and  the  pursuit  are  only  the  appli- 
cations of  these  several  movements  imposed  by  successive 
points  of  direction. 

The  turn  in  place  is  used  when  the  rider  being  halted 
wishes  to  change  direction;  it  is  executed  on  the  shoulders, 
on  the  haunches,  on  the  center  of  gravity. 

The  half  turn  on  the  shoulders  ("about  on  forehand") 
is  the  last  degree  of  the  demivolte  reversed.  Executed 
correctly  and  rapidly,  it  proves  the  horse's  submission  to 
the  leg  and  the  agility  of  the  haunches. 


112      Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

The  half  turn  on  the  haunches  is  the  last  degree  of  the 
demivolte.  Executed  correctly  and  rapidly,  it  proves  the 
lightness  of  the  forehand,  the  suppleness  of  the  shoulders, 
the  strength  of  the  loin,  and  obedience  of  the  haunches. 
If  these  two  movements  be  decomposed  step  by  step,  the 
horse  will  better  understand  the  mechanism,  but  there  will 
be  no  gymnastic  effect.  In  order  to  derive  much  benefit 
from  them  they  must  be  executed  briskly. 

The  half  turns  on  the  shoulders  and  on  the  haunches 
are  difficult  to  execute  perfectly.  The  half  turn  in  which 
the  horse  pivots  on  his  center  of  gravity  while  carrying  his 
shoulders  to  the  right  and  his  haunches  to  the  left,  for  ex- 
ample, is  of  easy  execution  and  constant  application.  It 
is  obtained  by  the  action  of  the  left  bearing  rein  of  oppo- 
sition which  carries  the  shoulders  to  the  right  and  makes 
the  haunches  deviate  toward  the  left,  and  by  the  action  of 
the  right  leg  by  which  also  carries  the  haunches  to  the  op- 
posite side. 

Galloping  a  horse. — The  mediocre  quality  of  troop 
horses  requires  great  care  in  the  use  of  rapid  gaits,  and 
greatly  limits  the  speed  which  can  be  demanded  of  them, 
as  well  as  the  distance  over  which  they  can  be  exercised. 

Nevertheless,  the  practice  of  the  charge  necessitates 
for  the  trooper  not  only  the  use  of  extended  gallop,  but 
also  the  intermediate  speeds. 

The  instructor  exercises  care  over  the  details  of  this 
work,  chooses  his  day  and  ground,  and  gradually  teaches 
men  and  horses  to  take  and  maintain  a  sustained  gallop. 

In  these  exercises  the  rider  attempts  more  than  ever 
to  push  his  horse  up  to  the  hand.  The  more  the  horse 
takes  confidence  in  this  bearing  the  better  will  he  place 
himself  to  assure  speed.  Thus,  for  the  first  times  it  is  bet- 
ter to  use  a  snaffle  or  double  snaffle.  The  first  gallops  are 
made  easier  by  grouping  the  horses  by  twos  or  threes  at 
the  maximum.  To  be  secure  at  the  gallop  the  rider  must 
shove  his  feet  home  in  the  stirrups,  have  the  thighs  against 
the  saddle,  the  lower  leg  fixed  against  the  horse's  body; 
he  should  carry  the  top  of  the  body  slightly  forward, 
which  will  relieve  the  loin,  allow  the  haunches  to  act  with 
more  power,  and  consequently  favor  speed. 

But  the  seat,  while  being  raised,  should  remain  so  that 
it  will  instantly  regain  its  normal  position  when  it  is  wished 
to  come  back  into   the  saddle;  this  will  be  so  when  the 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training      113 

thighs,  knees,  and  calves  retain  their  adherence.  The 
reins  are  separated  as  has  been  said  in  the  school  of  the 
trooper. 

The  hands  should  be  held  low,  bearing  against  the  base 
of  the  neck,  so  as  to  be  more  steady  and  to  give  the  horse 
a  more  stable  and  constant  bearing. 

The  rider  is  taught  to  gradually  increase  the  speed  up 
to  the  full  run,  then  to  make  the  gait  die  out  while  always 
preserving  contact  with  the  mouth  and  keeping  the  horse 
straight.  These  exercises,  including  the  increase  and  de- 
crease of  gait,  should  not  exceed  from  700  to  900  yards. 
One  must  be  very  careful  to  regulate  the  work  according 
to  the  age  and  race  of  the  horses.  The  periods  at  the 
walk  should  be  as  much  more  prolonged  as  the  gallop  has 
been  more  rapid  and  long. 

Advantage  should  be  taken  of  this  work  to  teach  the 
rider  to  judge  and  regulate  the  speed  of  his  horse,  to  use, 
report,  and  reason  on  all  that  goes  about  him;  in  other 
words,  to  acquire  the  head,  sang-froid,  quick  sight,  and 
judgment  indispensible  in  war  and  which  the  trooper 
should  preserve  even  at  speed. 

Cross  country  and  over  obstacles. — Principles  of  equita- 
tion find  their  application  across  country  and  in  jumping. 
The  qualities  of  boldness,  seat,  steadiness,  suppleness,  re- 
spect for  the  horse's  mouth,  and  the  observation  of  the 
laws  of  balance,  which  have  been  constantly  mentioned  in 
the  education  of  man  and  horse,  here  play  a  considerable 
part. 

Boldness  in  jumping  is  the  first  requisite  of  the  out-of- 
door  rider;  it  is  rapidly  communicated  to  the  horse  and  be- 
comes the  best  guaranty  of  his  freedom.  If  the  rider  is  not 
keen,  the  horse  will  perceive  it  and  become  apprehensive. 
Seat,  which  is  the  close,  gentle  contact  of  the  buttocks 
and  thighs  with  the  horse,  assures  a  good  hand,  gives  the 
rider  use  of  his  legs,  which  more  than  ever  control  impul- 
sion, and  allow  him,  in  case  of  a  serious  mistake,  to  avoid 
a  fall  by  slipping  down  deep  into  his  saddle. 

The  seat  is  independent  of  the  head  and  shoulders;  the 
rider  may  have  his  body  slightly  forward  and  be  well  seat- 
ed as  he  may  carry  it  to  the  rear  and  not  be  well  seated. 
Steadiness,  which  has  been  defined  in  equitation  as  the 
absence  of  all  involuntary  or  useless  movement,  here  for- 
bids any  exaggerated  projection  of  the  body  forward  or  to 


114      Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

the  rear,  as  well  as  any  displacement  of  the  legs  forward 
or  of  the  hands  in  the  air  or  to  the  rear. 

Suppleness  on  horseback  is  the  result  of  seat  and 
steadiness,  together  with  pliancy  of  the  loin;  it  is  the 
chief  quality  which  allows  the  rider  to  seemingly  be  part 
of  his  horse  at  all  variations  of  the  gaits ;  it  is  this  that  is 
called  "going  with  the  horse". 

The  laws  of  balance  and  the  mechanism  of  the  gaits 
require  the  rider,  in  jumping,  not  to  overweight  the  parts 
at  work,  that  is  the  hindquarters,  seat  of  impulsion,  at  the 
moment  of  taking  off,  and  the  forehand  which  acts  to 
steady  the  mass  at  the  moment  of  landing. 

Finally  and  above  all,  the  play  of  the  neck  being  as 
much  more  pronounced  as  the  gait  is  slower  and  the  leap 
more  violent,  for  the  horse  to  use  all  his  strength  and  for 
his  mouth  not  to  suffer  from  the  least  awkwardness  it  is 
necessary  that  the  rider's  hand  give  the  head  freedom  in 
accordance  with  the  energy  of  the  extension.  The  more 
the  ground  is  difficult,  the  obstacles  varied  and  serious, 
the  reactions  violent  and  unexpected,  the  less  easy  it  is  to 
apply  these  rules,  especially  as  the  necessities  of  the 
maneuver  or  evolutions  render  their  use  still  more  delicate 
by  limiting  the  initiative  and  independence  of  the  trooper. 

Whatever  be  the  gait  employed,  the  rider  in  approach- 
ing the  obstacle  steadies  his  legs,  increasing  their  pressure 
if  necessary  to  assure  impulsion.  He  inclines  the  body 
slightly  forward,  the  buttocks  remaining  in  the  saddle;  the 
hands  held  low,  accompanying  the  movements  of  the  neck, 
the  fingers  open,  if  necessary,  to  allow  the  horse  to  make 
use  of  his  head  and  neck. 

Riding  thus,  the  horse  having  impulsion  and  being  well 
inclosed  between  steady  legs  and  long-stretched  reins,  the 
rider  might  be  said  to  turn  his  horse  loose  in  the  "chute" 
of  the  aids,  and  he  is  placed  for  jumping  under  the  best 
conditions. 

In  conclusion,  without  attempting  to  cover  the  thou- 
sand cases  which  real  practice  in  out-of-door  riding  will 
reveal,  a  formula  which  sums  up  the  best  attitude  for  the 
rider  in  jumping  is  the  following:  Don't  jump  before  the 
horse,  nor  after  the  horse,  but  jump  with  the  horse. 

Individual  combat. — The  value  of  the  trooper  in  indi- 
vidual combat  is  a  function  of  the  training  of  his  horse. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training      115 

The  combat  exercises  should   therefore  tend  to  make  the 
latter  indifferent  and  free. 

These  exercises  should  be  carefully  conducted,  and  as 
an  example  might  follow  the  progression  given  below: 

(1)  Distribute  a  number  of  manikins  about  the  riding 
hall  in  various  positions,  standing,  kneeling,  lying  down, 
in  the  middle  of  the  hall,  by  the  side  of  and  even  on  the 
tracks,  and  make  the  horses  pass  beside  them  and  over 
them  at  the  three  gaits  until  they  no  longer  take  notice  of 
them. 

By  riding  with  two  hands,  the  reins  separated,  and  by 
frequent  petting,  this  result  will  be  quickly  obtained. 

(2)  Have  the  troopers  strike  the  manikins  with  saber  at 
all  gaits  and  in  jumping  obstacles,  both  at  will  and  by  com- 
mand. This  exercise  tends  to  make  the  horses  indifferent 
to  the  blows,  which  the  riders  deliver,  and  consequently, 
if  in  course  of  the  combat  exercises  they  have  received 
several  jerks  and  saber  blows,  which  is  inevitable  in  spite 
of  precautions,  and  they  then  manifest  repugnance  for  the 
work,  they  are  put  back  on  this  exercise  until  all  trace  of 
bad  humor  has  disappeared.  It  is  well  to  always  com- 
mence and  finish  the  work  by  several  minutes'  exercise 
against  the  manikins. 

When  the  horses  show  entire  indifference  and  freedom, 
have  the  sections  pass  each  other,  merely  crossing  the 
blades:  then  imitate  a  m^lee,  without  saber  blows.  The 
melee  is  conducted  at  first  in  whole  riding  hall,  then  in 
half,  then  in  a  quarter,  and  at  the  three  gaits. 

(3)  When  the  horses  are  confirmed,  one  should  pass 
to  the  pursuit  of  mounted  manikins,  then  to  the  pursuit  of 
riders,  finally  to  the  individual  combat. 

The  serious  requirements  to  which  the  horses  are  sub- 
mitted in  the  course  of  these  exercises  require  them  to  be 
made  very  short,  to  be  broken  by  long  periods  at  a  free 
gallop  with  long  reins  and  by  periods  of  rest  with  every- 
thing relaxed.  Every  horse  which  shows  hesitation  should 
be  stopped  and  put  back  on  the  manikin  exercises,  as  was 
said  above. 


Chapter  II.--DEFENSES  OF  THE  SADDLE 
HORSE 


The  restlessness  of  a  horse  may  lead  to  a  number  of 
vices  which  it  is  important  to  overcome  as  much  for  the 
animal's  preservation  as  the  safety  of  the  rider;  but  the 
solution  of  the  difficulty  lies  more  in  the  rider's  skill  than 
in  laying  down  set  rules  applicable  to  the  very  numerous 
cases  which  may  arise.  The  following  will  therefore  be 
considered  as  useful  advice,  worthy  of  being  thought  about 
but  not  absolute  rules: 

Ignorant  horses. — When  a  horse  disobeys  through  ig- 
norance of  what  is  asked  of  him,  by  manifesting  only  a 
certain  difficulty  or  a  passive  resistance,  he  is  made  to 
obey  by  again  taking  up  his  training  at  the  point  where  he 
is  at  fault  and  in  following  thereafter  the  series  of  exer- 
cises indicated  to  complete  his  education. 

Horses  that  are  afraid. — By  gentleness  and  patience  the 
horse  is  given  confidence.  When  his  rider  perceives  an 
object  capable  of  frightening  him,  he  should  sit  tight, 
leave  his  reins  long,  pet  him,  and  quiet  him  by  the  voice. 
If  a  horse  constantly  is  afraid  of  the  same  object,  show  it 
to  him  often,  and  dismount  to  lead  him  to  it  rather  than 
drive  him  with  the  spurs.  If  the  horse  seeks  to  turn 
around  through  fear,  hold  him  in  the  straight  path  by  op- 
posing the  shoulders  to  the  haunches. 

Horses  with  had  conformation. — The  horse  with  bad  con- 
formation naturally  undergoes  the  consequences  of  weak- 
ness in  the  organs  concerned  and  resists  the  execution  of 
movements  which  throw  special  stress  on  these  organs. 
The  rider  should  avoid  immoderate  requirements  which 
would  have  the  result  of  provoking  defenses  if  the  horse 
lacks  strength,  or  of  still  further  damaging  the  parts  if  the 
horse  submits. 

Mean  horses.— To  master  a  horse  of  difficult  character 
the  rider  must  prove  that  he  is  the  stronger  and  never  let 
a  disobedience  pass  nor  yield  to  a  whim.  It  is  rare  that 
one  may  lead  him  to  yield  without  force;  on  the  other 
hand,  every  concession  on  his  part  should  be  rewarded. 
116 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training     117 

With  a  horse  who  no  longer  obeys  the  simultaneous  action 
of  both  legs,  it  is  necessary  to  go  back  to  the  leg  lesson 
given  with  the  longe  and  driving  whip.  The  rigid  reins 
might  also  be  employed  in  this  case. 

Horses  that  rear. — This  defense  has  its  beginning  in  halt- 
ing and  getting  behind  the  bit.  The  first  thing  to  do  is, 
therefore,  to  prevent  his  getting  behind  the  bit  by  attacks 
on  the  straight  line,  attacks  which  produce  movement  for- 
ward and  throw  weight  on  the  forehand.  If  the  horse  re- 
sists moving  forward  he  must  be  turned  in  place  to  decom- 
pose the  forces  which  are  necessary  for  him  to  rear.  In 
swinging  his  haunches  to  the  side  all  parts  of  the  horse  are 
decontracted  and  he  is  prevented  from  throwing  his  weight 
on  the  haunches.  The  use  of  the  rearing  reins  will  help  in 
combating  this  defense. 

Ho,rses  that  kick.— It  a  horse  has  the  habit  of  kicking, 
the  snaflae  must  be  used  to  prevent  his  lowering  the  head 
and  at  the  same  time  he  should  be  vigorously  pushed  with 
the  legs. 

With  a  horse  that  kicks  it  is  an  error  to  always  hold 
his  head  high,  for  it  often  happens  that  this  defense  is 
caused  by  pain  in  the  loins  and  hocks,  and  by  raising  the 
heads  of  these  horses  one  would  only  increase  their  irrita- 
bility and  provoke  their  defenses. 

The  horse  that  kicks  at  the  boot  should  be  put  back  on 
the  lesson  of  the  single  leg,  with  the  longe  and  riding  whip. 
Every  time  that  he  tries  this  defense  his  rider  should  im- 
mediately riposte  with  a  vigorous  blow  from  the  spur. 

Horses  that  fight  the  hand.— The  causes  which  lead  to 
this  fault  are  numerous.  They  pertain  generally  to  super - 
sensitiveness  of  the  bar,  a  badly  chosen  bit,  or  a  too  severe 
hand.  The  methods  indicated  in  training  for  the  educa- 
tion of  the  horse's  mouth  permit  these  to  be  remedied. 
Seek  a  suitable  bitting,  and  if  necessary  discard  the  curb 
chain.  The  standing  martingale  may  be  advantageously 
used  in  this  case ;  likewise  work  on  the  longe  with  the  reins 
fastened  to  a  surcingle. 

Horses  that  lower  the  head  against  the  chest. — A  horse  may 
do  this  through  weakness  or  lack  of  training.  It  is  the  case 
with  many  colts.  It  then  suflaces  to  give  him  confidence 
in  the  hand  by  the  forward  movement  and  extensions  of 
the  neck.  If  this  position  becomes  a  defense,  use  the  snaf- 
fle reins  to  raise  the  head,  if  necessary  by  a  quick  sharp 


118      Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

action  from  below  upward.  When  a  horse  raises  his  head, 
prevent  any  slowing  of  the  gait  by  acting  with  the  legs. 
Require  but  little  to  begin  with,  and  as  soon  as  the  horse 
raises  his  head  very  little  and  yields  his  jaw  ease  and  pet 
him. 

Horses  that  star  gaze. — The  star  gazer  has  a  high,  nearly 
horizontal  head  and  a  stiff  jaw;  a  bad  conformation  pre- 
disposes to  this  fault,  but  this  defective  position  generally 
comes  from  the  horse  having  been  badly  ridden  and  fear- 
ing the  hand.  To  correct  a  horse  whose  nose  is  in  the  air, 
fix  the  hand  on  the  pommel  of  the  saddle,  the  reins  re- 
maining stretched,  close  the  legs  to  push  him  up  to  the  bit, 
and  keep  the  fingers  tightly  closed  until  the  horse  lowers 
his  head  a  little ;  then  open  the  fingers  immediately  and 
yield  to  him.  Repeat  this  lesson  until  the  horse  yields  to 
the  least  pressure  of  the  fingers  and  until  he  well  under- 
stands that  the  hand  is  severe  only  when  he  carries  his 
head  up  and  that  it  relaxes  as  soon  as  he  places  his 
head  properly.  The  rules  laid  down  in  training  for  the 
education  of  the  horse's  mouth  here  find  application. 

The  use  of  the  rearing  reins,  running  martingale,  and 
Colbert  reins  may  assist  in  this  case. 

Hot-headed  horses;  horses  that  jig, — The  reasons  for 
which  horses  fret  and  jig  are  numerous.  Some  have  too 
short  a  walk;  training  should  remedy  this  fault.  Others 
lack  impulsion  and  become  sulky  at  the  pressure  of  the 
leg;  they  must  be  taught  the  lesson  of  the  spur  and  put 
back  in  the  forward  movement.  Others  again,  too  nervous, 
fret,  move  sidewise,  and  can  not  bear  the  pressure  of  the 
rank;  they  must  be  worked  alone  for  a  long  time,  put  into 
high  condition,  and  the  rider  must  be  as  steady  as  possible. 
But  most  of  the  time  the  fault  comes  from  the  fact  that  the 
horse,  through  fear  of  the  hand,  does  not  dare  to  take  the 
support  or  bearing  on  the  bit  which  favors  a  free,  extended 
gait;  in  this  case  the  rider  whose  hand  is  too  hard  must  be 
changed,  the  horse  must  then  be  made  to  extend  his  neck 
frequently  to  give  him  confidence  in  the  hand  and  to  lead 
his  weight  on  to  the  forehand.  These  first  results  accom- 
plished, one  should  extend  him  by  long  periods  at  a  slow 
trot  on  serpentines,  circles,  and  figures  of  eight,  to  accustom 
the  horse  little  by  little  to  the  actions  of  the  aids. 

Horses  that  pull. — Being  at  the  walk,  use  half  halts  on 
one  rein ;  when  the  horse  yields  let  him  straighten  himself 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training      119 

and  take  the  original  gait.  Repeat  this  same  lesson  at  first 
at  the  slow  trot  and  then  at  the  ordinary  trot.  The  stiff- 
ness of  a  pulling  horse  is  thus  finally  broken  by  forcing 
him  to  bend  and  to  engage  his  hindquarters.  (Halts  and 
half  halts  constitute  excellent  gymnastics  for  the  horse 
which  goes  too  much  on  his  shoulders  and  who  is  heavy  in 
hand.)     One  might  use  pulley  reins  on  this  sort  of  horse. 

Work  at  the  slow  trot  on  voltes,  serpentines,  and  diag- 
onals. 

Horses  that  open  the  jaws  and  pass  the  tongue  over  the 
bit. — For  the  first,  use  a  noseband  or  strap  tightly  buckled 
above  or  below  the  commissure  of  the  lips.  For  the  second, 
in  addition  to  the  noseband  use  a  bit  with  a  pallette  of 
leather  or  rubber.  The  tongue  may  also  be  tied  with  a 
string. 

SUCCESSIVE  PHASES  OF  THE  EDUCATION  OF  THE 
YOUNG  HORSE. 
This  outline  is  made  up  for  average  horses;  it  sums  up 
the  methods  which  have  preceded.  It  is  not  absolute;  the 
requirements  may  be  varied  by  the  means  at  hand,  cli- 
matic influences,  the  kind  and  quality  of  the  animals.  It 
marks,  nevertheless,  the  normal  steps  in  the  training  of  the 
troop  horse. 

OBJECT. 

I  Establishing  confidence. 

Breaking  (5  years) <^  Preliminary  conditioning. 

[Elementary  education  in  the  aids. 

{Conditioning. 
Suppling  the  young  horse. 
Complete  obedience  to  the  aids. 

Breaking, 
(pour  periods) 
First  period:     October  1  to  January  1. 
Second  period:     January  1  to  March  1. 
Third  period:     March  1  to   August   15    (departure   for 

maneuvers). 
Fourth  period:     August  15  to  October  1. 

FIRST  PERIOD. 
(Oct.  1  to  Jan.  1,  three  months.) 

(Acclimation. 
Taming. 
Establishing  confidence. 


120      Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

I. — Acclimation. 

Put  under  observation.  Installed  in  the  troop.  Care 
on  arrival.  Particular  hygiene.  Air.  Rations  and  substi- 
tutions.   Endurance  and  hardiness. 

II. — Taming. 

Assignment  of  the  same  horses  to  the  same  riders. 
Choice  of  riders.  Familiarizing  the  colt  with  the  life  of 
the  garrison  (noise,  watering,  shoeing  shop,  etc.). 

III. — Establishing  confidence. 

Out  of  doors  and  riding  hall.  Proportions  in  which 
they  should  be  employed.  Work  not  mounted.  Leading 
by  the  side  of  old  horses  which  are  mounted.  Work  on  the 
longe.  Accustoming  the  equipment,  weight  of  man,  mount- 
ing lesson.     Saber. 

Mounted  work.  Walks  out  of  doors.  Organization  of 
squads.  Nature  of  the  work.  R61e  of  the  walk  in  strength- 
ening the  joints.  Familiarizing  with  out-door  objects.  In- 
fluence of  leaders. 

second  period. 

(Jan.  1  to  Mar  1,  two  months.) 

Preliminary  conditioning. 

Elementary  education  in  the  aids. 

Leading  the  young  horse  to  take 
place  in  the  ranks  of  the  mo- 
bilized troop. 


Object:  Preliminary  pre- 
paration for  possible  use 
in  case  of  mobilization  _ 


/. — Preliminary  conditioning. 

Making  the  stomach.  Progressively  leading  the  colt 
to  assimilate  the  Government  ration  (watching  the  drop- 
pings; mashes,  gruels,  carrots).  Making  muscle.  Pro- 
gressive reasonable  alternation  of  gaits.  Particular  infiu-, 
ence  of  each.    Usefulness  of  varied  ground. 

Organization  of  groups  and  redivision  of  work.  Long 
slow  walk.    First  lessons  in  independence  and  freedom. 

Leading  over  small  obstacles.  Horse  skillful  and  bold. 
Developing  the  lungs.  The  gallop;  \yhen  and  how  to  com- 
mence it.  Considerations  which  rule  this  work.  Race, 
blood,  ground.  Riding  hall  on  straight  lines.  Leading  the 
colt  to  gallop  1,500  to  2,000  yards  (5  to  6  minutes).  Aspect 
of  the  horse  in  work. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training      121 

II. — Elementary  education  in  the  aidn. 

The  simultaneous  action  of  both  legs  or  both  hands 
may  be  taken  up  out  of  doors  with  the  conditioning.  The 
action  of  the  reins  provoking  changes  of  direction  is  taken 
up  in  the  riding  hall  on  days  when  bad  weather  prevents 
going  out. 


fPassing  from  walk  to  trot. 

J: 


(a)  Simultaneous  action  J  Passing  from  halt  to  walk. 

of  both  legs i  Passing  from  halt  to  trot. 

I  Extending  the  walk  and  trot. 

,,,  „.       ,^  ,.       (Passing  from  trot  to  walk. 

(5)  Simultaneous  action    p^ggj^l^  ^^,^^^  ^,^^y^  ^^  l^^^l^ 

ot  both  rems |  Passing  from  trot  to  halt. 

r  Opening  rein  ^  Changing  tracks  in 
I  changing  hand. 

(c)  Action  of  single        j  Bearing  rein_  I  Broken  line. 

rein _1  Opening  rein  (Turns,  half  turns. 

and  both  | 
I.        legs.  J 

(d)  Combined  action  of  (Bearing  rein]  Demivolte. 

both  legs  with  one  I        and  both  \  Demivolte  reversed 
or  the  other  rein.  [        legs.         J  On  circle. 
Taking  gallop  by  breaking  equilibrium. 

III.— Leading  the  young  horse  to  take  his  place  in  the  ranks 
of  the  mobolized  troops. 

Making  him  familiar  with  arms,  to  their  handling, 
standing  still  and  marching;  to  the  pack;  to  the  bridle;  to 
the  trooper's  equipment;  to  firing. 

During  work  out  of  doors  some  marches  in  column,  in 
line,  deployment,  movements  by  the  flank,  to  the  rear. 

THIRD  PERIOD 

(Mar  1  to  maneuvers,  5}^  months.) 

^  Further  conditioning. 
Objects /More  marked  obedience  to  aids. 

/. — Further  conditioning. 

Increase  the  outdoor  work  according  to  the  state  and 
temperament  of  the  horse  (l^^  to  2  hours). 

Continue  the  training  at  the  gallop  to  attain  at  the  end 
of  the  period  3,000  yards  (7  to  8  minutes) . 

Lesson  of  independence  out  of  doors.  Confirming  free- 
dom and  quiet. 


122      Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

Obstacles. — Lesson  on  the  longe  and  at  liberty;  skill 
on  tree  trunks,  ditches,  banks,  etc. 

Hygiene. — Period  of  shedding  (March-April).  Watch 
the  hygiene  and  feeding.     Modification  of  work. 

Period  of  feeding  grass. — The  horse  should  be  rather 
fat.  Increase  the  grain.  Cut  down  work  outside.  Appear- 
ance of  horse  in  condition— eye.  skin,  muscles,  flank,  legs. 

II. — More  marked  obedience  to  aids. 

Some  riding- hall  work  as  during  the  second  period;  in 
snaffle  at  first,  in  double  bridle  during  the  last  month. 
Further: 

1.  Confirm  the  forward  movement.     First  search  for  bal- 

ance by  increasing  and  decreasing  the  gaits  on  a  straight 
line. 

2.  Mobilizing  the  haunch-  [Passing  corners. 

es  (efforts  of  one  leg  <^  Serpentines. 

alone) [Demivoltes  reversed,  etc. 

3.  Mobilizing   the    shoul-  [Passing  corners. 

ders    (action   of     the  <^  Serpentines, 
bearing  rein) [Demivoltes. 

4.  Extending  and  redressing  the  neck. 

5.  Gallop  departs  on  straight  line  by  lateral  aids. 

FOURTH  PERIOD. 
(Aug.  15  to  Oct.  1,  l^a  months.) 

Periods  of  rest. — Leading;  large  substitutions  for  grain 
rations.    Mashes,  purges.    Fatten  the  horses. 

Training. 

(4  periods.) 

First  period:  October  1  to  December  1. 
Second  period:  December  1  to  June  1. 
Third  period:  June  1  to  August  15  (maneuvers V 
Fourth  period:  August  15  to  October  1. 

first  period. 

(Oct.  1  to  Dec.  1,  2  months.) 

Obiects  rPutting  the  horse  back  in  work. 

^Bringing  him  under  the  aids  again. 

/. — Taking  up  work. 

New  assignment  of  horses  to  officers,  noncommissioned 
officers,  and  selected  men. 


Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training      123 

Out  of  doors.— Man  and  horse  become  accustomed  to 
each  other.  Taking  up  work  gradually.  Influences  which 
hold  back.  Lessons  on  the  longe  and  mounting  lessons  by- 
new  riders.  Jumping  on  the  longe  and  at  liberty.  Fixed 
obstacles  for  the  young  horses.  Horses  quiet  and  bold 
alone. 

//. — Obedience  to  the  aids. 

Riding  hall.— Gradually  repeating,  at  first  in  snaffle, 
then  in  double  bridle,  work  of  preceding  year.  Putting  the 
horse  in  the  forward  movement.  Increasing  and  decreas- 
ing gaits  on  straight  lines,  circles,  and  changes  of  direction. 

second  period. 

(Dec.  1  to  June  1,  6  months.) 

{Conditioning. 
Suppling  and  complete  obedience 
to  aids. 

I. — Conditioning. 

Out  of  doors. — Long  periods  of  1J.<  to  2  hours.  In- 
crease the  requirements  gradually  while  taking  notice  of 
period  of  shedding  and  green  food  (as  in  breaking).  At- 
tain 3,500  yards  at  gallop  (8  minutes)  at  end  of  period. 

Work  on  broken  ground. — Passing  natural  obstacles, 
horses  mounted.  Push  as  far  as  possible,  independence, 
quiet,  and  boldness.  Leave  the  column  and  go  in  opposite 
direction,  troop  being  in  march  at  walk,  trot  and  gallop. 
Mounting  lesson  out  of  doors. 

II. — Suppling  and  complete  obedience  to  aids. 

Riding  hall. — Short  sessions  (three-fourths  hour  at 
most)  with  a  definite  object. 

Impulsion. — The  action  of  the  spur.  Double  bridle. 
Choice  of  bits.  Accustoming  the  horse  to  bit.  Progres- 
sion to  follow.  Various  means  of  holding  reins  in  training. 
Repetition  with  double  bridle  of  work  in  snaffle.  Study 
of  reins  in  opposition.  Mobility  and  engagement  of  hind 
quarters.  Increasing  and  decreasing  gaits,  starts,  halts, 
backing,  rassembler,  demivoltes  reversed,  half  turn  on 
shoulders,  serpentines,  and  circles  with  haunches  inside 
and  outside.  False  gallop.  Suppleness  and  freedom  of 
shoulders.  Demivoltes  half  turns  on  the  haunches.  Ser- 
pentines and  circles,    the   shoulders  pivoting    about  the 


124      Manual  of  Equitation  and  Horse  Training 

haunches  (action  of  bearing  reins),  shoulder  in. 

Mobility  of  the  jaw:  Suppling,  position  of  the  head 
and  neck  favorable  to  training. 

The  gather: 

Application:     Balance  work  on  long  and  short  bases. 

To  change  gait,  and  in  a  given  gait  changing  speed. 

Halt,  half  halt,  and  backing. 

Gallop  departs  from  walk,  trot,  halt,  and  backing. 
Horse  straight. 

To  maintain  a  given  gait  and  in  this  gait  a  given  speed. 

Regulation  gaits,  work  on  long  distances. 

Change  of  direction:     The  turn. 

Obedience  to  aids  in  the  rank,  out  of  doors,  flexible 
squares. 

The  horse  bold,  straight,  and  light. 

Riding  with  one  hand. 

THIRD  PERIOD. 
(June  1  to  maneuvers,  2>^  months.) 

r  Conditioning. 
,  .  !  Confirming  obedience  to  aids. 

UDjects ^  Application  of  acquired  results  to 

y    military  work. 

I. — Conditioning. 

Take  up  gradually  the  work  which  was  cut  down  dur- 
ing the  period  of  green  food.  Lead  the  horses  to  sustain 
3,500  to  4,000  yards  at  the  gallop  (10  to  12  minutes).  Exe- 
cute several  road  marches  (20  to  25  miles  in  four  hours). 
Exercises  on  the  track  in  preparation  for  charge.  Gallop- 
ing over  500  or  600  yards. 

IL — Confirming  obedience  to  the  aids. 

Same  work  as  in  the  second  period.  Pass  from  work 
in  flexible  squares  out  of  doors  to  work  of  section  together 
in  riding  hall,  cadencing  and  balancing  the  horses.  Half 
turn  on  haunches,  on  shoulders,  on  center  of  gravity. 
Riding  with  one  hand  at  all  gaits  and  in  all  directions. 
Work  at  will. 

III. — Application  of  acquired  results  to  military  work. 

The  flexible  squares  lead  to  the  school  of  the  group 
(one  rank,  double  rank,  ranks  open  and  closed). 


Manual  op  Equitation  and  Horse  Training      125 

Work  with  arms.  Use  of  arms  mounted.  Work  with 
manikins.     Preparation  for  individual  combat.     Pursuit, 

Individual  missions.  Couriers,  flankers,  patrols.  Quiet 
to  noise  and  firing.  Swimming,  harness.  Jumping  in  troop. 

FOURTH  PERIOD. 
(Aug.  15  to  Oct.  1.) 

Rest.    Same  prescriptions  as  at  end  of  breaking. 
Proving  the  Results. 

PRINCIPAL   points   ON  WHICH  INSPECTIONS  SHOULD  BEAK. 

(a)     Breaking:     General  state  of  horses,  condition,  legs: 
Riding  hall- 
Quiet,  regular,  swinging  gaits. 
Obedience  to  aids  in  simple  movements. 
Quiet  to  mount. 

Trial  at  the  gallop  (out  of  doors  if  the  ground 
permits). 
Out  of  doors — 

Free,  quiet  gaits,  individually  and  in  troop. 
Passing  small  obstacles  in  hand  and  mounted. 
Handling  arms. 
Quiet  to  firing. 
(6)     Training:  General  state  of  horses,  condition,  legs. 
Riding  hall — 

Quiet,  regular,  swinging  gaits. 

Individual  examination,  proving    obedience    to 

aids  in  collected  movements. 
Work  of  section  together. 
Pursuit. 
Jumping. 

Trial  at  the  gallop  (out  of  doors  if   ground  per- 
mits). 
Out  of  doors — 
Individual  work. 
Boldness  in  execution  of  all  individual  missions 

(scout,  flanker,  courier). 
Work  in  troop — 
Use  of  arms. 
Proof  of  condition. 

Approved,  Paris,  January  9,  1912. 

Messimy,  Minister  of  War. 


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